Luke 15:7, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:10, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (any emphasis mine)
Revelation 3:20-21, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him/her and eat with him/her and he/she with Me. The one who conquers, I will grant him/her to sit with Me on My throne, as I conquered, and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
God will in no way force anyone to accept His Son, which would guarantee eternal life in Heaven. He does not want anyone to fail, though, and end up in hell. He is patient and just, giving us opportunities to reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). However, if someone takes their last breath on earth without repentance and accepting Jesus as their Savior, He will assign them to the Lake of Fire forever (Revelation 20:11-15). Sad part is, everyone can avoid eternal punishment, but it’s by their own choice if they end up there. Many think this is unreal, or just myths.
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing; but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Because of some “prayer warriors” that I had in my life, I believe the Holy Spirit gave me an extra nudge at a time when I was bottoming out. These “prayer warriors” held me up to the Father as someone they wanted to see a good change in, and they prayed on a regular basis. They did not come to me about this as I probably would’ve told them I was fine with God. Thing is, I wasn’t fine with Him. Several of them have since gone to be with Jesus, and I look forward to seeing them again.
Through a series of events, I started to realize that if I were to die, I would not be with Jesus. I knew about the Savior, but didn’t think I was “bad enough” for Him to reject me. I was led to start reading God’s word for myself, and I believe the Holy Spirit opened my mind to receive the true message of Salvation. One day, when no one else was around me, I just started talking to Jesus as if He were right there with me.
Thing is, I now realize He was there. I started telling Him that I knew I was totally unworthy of His love for me, and mentioned all the sins I knew I had committed. I even asked that, if I forgot any, that He would put them in my mind so I could confess them to Him. I asked His forgiveness, and for help to make changes in my life. I asked Him to be my Savior.
At that moment, my reservation changed from eternal punishment to an eternity with Jesus. Verses in the Bible became significant such as Romans 3:23 – that we’re all sinners. Acts 4:12 says that Jesus is the only name under heaven by which we can be saved. John 14:6 became my life verse: “Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by Me.”
Any thoughts I may have had about other paths to heaven disappeared. Then, I found 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That was my “proving” verse that I had been forgiven, just as everyone can be.
With all this in mind, I realized my “talk” with Jesus wasn’t just a whim. He knew me even before I was born; and when He was on that cross, His blood covered every sin I would ever commit, as long as I accepted Him. This will also work for everyone who will accept Him.
I read Luke 15, and actually got a warm feeling that I had caused a “Shouting Time in Heaven.” People around me, including my wife, noticed there was something different. No, I’m not perfect, and never will be as long as we’re on this earth; but I’m not afraid to tell others they need a relationship with Jesus. Jesus never forced Himself on anyone, and neither will I.
1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts, honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Many people are driven away by scare tactics and shouting at them or pounding on a podium. I have found that by just talking and using plain conversation; it’s more than adequate to give people some places in the Bible to become familiar with Jesus. This does not mean to skirt around the truth, or just give their ears a tickle.
One of my life’s goals is to have the angels rejoicing constantly about new souls seeking Jesus. Especially those who “think” they are right with Him just as I did, but actually are lost.
Finally, I believe we are right at the brink of Jesus calling His Church (all believers), dead or alive, up to meet Him in the air. If He were to call today, I have no problem with the “dead in Christ” being the first to go up to Him. Afterward, all believers that are still alive will be taken up. Thing is, it’s such a rapid happening that the delay will be hardly noticeable. For the mechanics of the Rapture, we have 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Twinkling/blinking of an eye is calculated to be less than one second. That’s the time it will take for the whole Rapture to be over!
At the calling of Jesus, we receive new imperishable and immortal bodies, designed to last forever. Those who were dead will be reunited, soul and body, and converted to their imperishable ones. Then Jesus will take us home so that we miss the Tribulation of Daniel and Revelation. At that time, I can guarantee there will be “Shouting in Heaven.” That is, as soon as we are over the Awe of seeing our Savior for the first time, and able to speak again.
To be in this Rapture, call on Jesus to be your Savior today. He’s available 24 hours a day. All who truly do so will be saved (Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13). Confess to Him you are a sinner and ask for His forgiveness. Know that He really did come to this earth as the Bible says, and allowed Himself to be a sacrifice for us (John 10:18). Ask Him to be your Savior forever. The Holy Spirit will come and be in you to show Satan and his followers that you belong to the Savior. Your eternal home will be with Jesus in a place He will provide for you (John 14:1-3).
Call today, or you could be missing the best opportunity you’ll ever have. The angels are ready to Rejoice and Shout out over your decision for Him.
Maranatha – Come Lord Jesus!