John 14:1-3; “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also.” (ESV – all emphasis mine)
The main message of these three verses is found in Verse 1; “Believe in God; believe also in Me.” Jesus gives us the ultimate statement to clarify this in Verse 6; “…I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” That really shoots down the notion that all religions worship the same “god.” Yes, every religion has a deity of some manner, shape or form, but only those who receive and accept Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life with the Son of the only true and living God.
Now for a piece of information that even many evangelicals deny; one does not have to belong to any man-made “religion,” nor does one have to attend “church services” to be saved.
The first real example of this is found in Luke 23:39-43; “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at Him, saying, ‘Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us.’ But the other rebuked him saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds [admission/confession]; but this Man has done nothing wrong [belief]. And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into your kingdom [call]. And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you; today, you will be with Me in paradise.'”
When someone says to follow the ABCs of Salvation, reading the above verses gives the first instance of this. Then going to Romans 10:9-13, Paul goes through the steps with more detail: “because if you confess [admit]) with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Does Paul leave out persons of this world that cannot speak, for whatever reason, with their mouths? There are those who can speak only through sign language and some who can only form words in their minds. I don’t believe for an instant that they are left out. Many times I have gone to the Father in prayer without speaking out loud, and I am confident He has heard every word. Turning to the internet, several sites tell us there are over 100 Bible verses that say God knows our every thought. Therefore, my belief is that a person can fulfill the ABCs by “talking” to Jesus with their minds.
Anyone who truly follows the ABCs and calls out for Jesus to be their Savior will be “baptized” by the Holy Spirit coming to dwell within them. Some verses that give us this information are: 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ezekiel 36:27; Isaiah 63:11; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:11; John 16:13; Galatians 4:6; and 1 John 2:27, just to name a few examples. The one event where there was a “mass baptism” by the Holy Spirit was at Pentecost, found in Acts 2.
Some versions of the Bible use the phrase “many dwelling places,” and some say “many mansions” in John 14:2. Whatever the living arrangement will be, our place that Jesus prepares for us will be far greater than anything we could ever have here.
Ira Stamphill (1919-1993) wrote a hymn in 1949 that gives all believers a solid hope for our eternal home. It has been recorded by a large number of performers over the years, and it’s called “Mansion Just Over the Hilltop.”
1.) I’m satisfied with just a cottage below, little silver and a little gold. But in that City where the ransomed will shine, I want a gold one that’s silver-lined.
Ref) I’ve got a mansion, just over the hilltop, in that bright land where we’ll never grow old. And someday yonder, we’ll never more wander but walk on streets that are purest gold.
2.) Though often tempted, tormented and tested, and like the prophet, my pillow is stone. And though I find here no permanent dwelling, I know He’ll give me a mansion of my own. (ref)
3.) Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely; I’m not discouraged ‘cuz I’m Heaven bound. I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city. I want a mansion, a robe and a crown. (ref)
And, just to give some emphasis to this message, how about one more song that was written by James W. Acuff from 1906. It’s called “Just Over in Glory Land,” and as with the above song, this one has been recorded by many as well.
1.) I’ve a home prepared, where the saints abide, just over in the Glory Land. And I long to be by my Savior’s side, just over in the Glory Land.
Ref) Just over in the Glory Land, I’ll join the happy angel band; Just over in the Glory Land. Just over in the Glory Land, there with the mighty host I’ll stand; Just over in the Glory Land.
2.) I am on my way to those mansions fair, just over in the Glory Land. There to sing God’s praise and His glory share, just over in the Glory Land. (ref)
3.) What a joyful thought that my Lord I’ll see, just over in the Glory Land. And with kindred saved, there forever be, just over in the Glory Land. (ref)
4.) With the blood-washed throng, I will shout and sing, just over in the Glory Land. Glad Hosannas to Christ, the Lord and King, just over in the Glory Land. (ref)
With these in mind, is it any wonder that all Spirit-filled souls that belong to our Savior’s precious flock are “longing” to be Home at last? We can only imagine right now how glorious it will be, but if we had a glimpse of our eternity, as Paul and John did, I firmly believe we couldn’t bear another minute on this sin-filled earth.
In the meantime, we try to do our part of the “Great Commission” by getting the word of the Lord to souls that are lost. Our Father will force no one to accept His Son but will honor each and every one who truly calls out to be saved. Also, God’s word is not meant to be complicated but presented in a way that it can be understood by all.
Today would not be too early to make the most important call of your entire lifetime. All the signs are here right now, and their “beginning” was several years ago. As stated in Luke 21:28, we need to be looking for our Savior to come for us at any moment. Being left behind would be a most tragic mistake. God wants no one to be eternally condemned and will give every opportunity possible for people to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
However, one day, the time will hit, and Jesus will call His flock up to meet Him in the air to be kept from the horrible tribulation period that is coming. God means exactly what He says, especially regarding Admit, Believe and Call. You can know for certain your eternity will be wonderful when you have Jesus as your Savior.
For all who take their last breath on this earth without Jesus as their Savior, they will have committed the one unforgivable sin. Their fate will lie at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15. Please note that God does not send people there; each and every one present at this Judgment will have chosen it for themselves.
Choose wisely. This is a gift offered from the Son of the Most High Lord God Jehovah, and there is no monetary cost you can pay or deed you can do to earn it. His blood has set free all who will call out to Him.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus,