I’m glad Christians aren’t going to hell! As much as I try to describe hell in all its gruesome torment, I feel I never quite get it right. I think I can never state hell’s actual environment. Maybe it’s because I’m not burning as I’m considering it, but I can certainly understand the words of Scripture about hell, Mark 9:42-48.

Therefore, I do not want to go there. I’m so glad that people everywhere have the opportunity to encounter the gospel, 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. I wish I could get the gospel message out to everyone. The apostles accomplished that in the first century. Thirty years after Jesus’ death, the gospel had been spread to the world, Colossians 1:6.

I’m glad Christians share the same faith. Hearing God’s word produces faith, Romans 10:17. By that, the New Testament is understandable to anyone giving an honest reading of it. Paul stated that people can understand God’s word when reading it, Ephesians 3:4, which goes in the face of many saying we can’t understand the word – or that we need a particular class of “Christians” to tell us what it means. So, I’m glad others have the same faith in the Word. Christians share life with its ups and downs. We must be united in that faith, 1 Corinthians 1:10, and the only way to do that is to let the Bible speak for itself. In the end, we share a sweet passing to the other side.

I’m glad the gospel is “out there.” I’m glad the Holy Spirit delivered God’s word to us. Jesus promised Him, John 14:16-17 for the apostle’s benefit. They were equipped with a saving message to the lost world. I’m glad Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the gospel to everyone, make disciples, and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:18-20.  Without the word, we’d never ascend to heaven. We’d be lost to eternal tormented hell.

I’m glad everyone has access to the gospel. Without it, without the truth of it, what we tell our grandchildren would be only a collection of self-created stories that stand in place for God’s word. In doing that, we’d be passing false religion to our children’s children, and that never suffices. It would be dangerous for our grandchildren for us to do that. So, I’m thankful for the knowledge of the creation account, how we came to be, and where we’re going. I’m glad we know who we are in God’s universe. I love the Bible stories and seeing the miracles and the words Jesus speaks. His words last forever, you know, Matthew 24:35. Everyone has access to the Scriptures. It’s been translated into everyone’s language.

I’m glad Christians are going to heaven. Some say, “That’s very arrogant to assume only certain believers are going to heaven. After all, God is the judge of that.” Well, once again, the Bible helps us out. 1 John 2:3 states we can know that we know we’re going to heaven if we keep His commandments. And even when we miss God’s glory by sin, we ask our Father’s forgiveness, and He grants us that. How do I know that? 1 John 1:9 states so. I’m glad we’re going to heaven, which means the Saints get to be with the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus adds the saved to His church, Acts 2:47. Only members of His church go to heaven. That’s the promise; that’s what Jesus said, John 14:2.

Garland Van Dyke

http://www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com

Matthews St. church of Christ, PO Box 1522, Bay City, TX 77414

You’re always welcome to attend worship with us on Sundays at 10:30 AM.