ALL ARE WELCOME

You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Ephesians 5:5

It’s interesting, this verse coming shortly after Paul’s big talk on unity. Because it almost depicts heaven as something that will be exclusive, something that not all people will be welcomed into. But, this is a harsh truth about heaven. IF we are worshiping the things of this world, IF we are not seeking first the Kingdom of God, IF He is not our one true God, then we don’t go to heaven. It is black and white, there is no grey area on this.

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. Ephesians 4:5-6

If we choose not to believe in Jesus Christ, the Bible is very clear, we don’t inherit the Kingdom of God, the alternative will be to spend eternity in hell. It is exclusive in this way, but the thing is, all are welcome. ALL of us have the opportunity, the ability, the invitation, to be with God in heaven, forever. If we read through Revelation, John gives us insight into what Jesus reveals to him, of what is to come. It is intense. But, as a Christian, it gives me so much hope. I am sick of living in a world that is so full of death, rape, injustice, starvation, pain, ruthlessness, idolatry, social justice issues, politics, pride, anger, bitterness, envy, and so much more. This world is DARK. The fall happened (Genesis 3) and with it, sin entered our world. We saw what our eyes were never meant to see. Why? Because Adam and Eve fell prey to what we all fall prey to every day, wanting to understand, wanting to know more, seeking our own way. But, our God is a LOVING God. And from this, He gave us freewill. And in that, He quickly found out, how imperfect we are as human beings. How much the mind of Adam is engrained into our DNA. How we so easily turn away from Him. So, the Lord, ever since that moment in time has allowed satan to have dominion over the Earth. Why? He doesn’t want a bunch of brainwashed minions following, worshiping Him. No, He wants our hearts. He wants to fill us with His love so that we can share His love with the world. And while we are out here patiently enduring the evils of this world, our Lord gave us His one and only son. And in doing so, we received a gift we didn’t deserve. Our sins forgiven, our minds renewed, our hearts healed, our souls set free. We have been given the mind of Christ, we have FULL access to God through the Holy Spirit. And He equips us with every single thing we need to live in this broken world. To live a life filled with love (Ephesians 5:2).

And here is the beautiful hope we have: one day, Jesus will return. When He does, all who chose to follow Him, worship Him, make Him the Lord over their lives, well He will be here for us.

“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Revelation 7:3

We are marked with the seal of Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14). We are not only saved for the here and now, but all of eternity. And when Jesus comes back, for those that are not marked with the seal, it will get ugly. I could go on and on about this, but just go read Revelation for yourself. Here is what I do want to say, don’t you want to live in an eternity where there is no more evil? Where there is no greed, no idolatry, no sin? That is what eternity in heaven will be…PERFECT.

…God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:3-4

That is where I want to be forever…with God, with God’s people, in perfect unity with no more pain. Here is the kicker, in order to get that, our God has to be just and righteous. That is why Ephesians 5:5 has Paul telling us this harsh reality. Because one day, the evil will be gone.

This is where it gets real. We all have people in our lives, who, if Jesus came back today, they wouldn’t be coming with. Why? Because they are choosing to worship the world, which is worshiping the devil. BUT, God. How loving He is. Because He hasn’t sent Jesus back yet (even though selfishly, I kind of wish He would have). And yet, the blessing is, there is still time for the lost souls to know Him. And just how will they know Him? Through you and through me.

Love and blessings,