Prayer ~ Lord, show me how to help others understand that we can never get into heaven by our good works—it is only by Your grace and mercy that Heaven is an eternal option for us.
Someone came to Jesus with this question: "Teacher, what good
deed must I do to have eternal life?" "Why ask me about what is
good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. But to answer
your question--if you want to receive eternal life, keep the
commandments." Matthew 19:16-17
Meditate. How do you get to heaven?
Here we can read between the lines
that Jesus is admitting that He is the One who is good. It is worthwhile to
mention scripture that says…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8. Jesus NEVER changes…God NEVER changes. He IS good—the
ultimate goodness. He is what we are striving to be like. We change—hopefully
for the better—to be more like Jesus. It may take a conscious effort, an
inward determination to change—and the best place to start the desired change is
with prayer. Ask God to help you—if you desire more goodness in your
character. Jesus’ direction to keep the commandments may also take prayer and a commitment on
your part. Just remember…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
What “good deed” can people
do to inherit eternal life? The truth is that everyone will have eternal life…but
not everyone will have their eternal life in heaven…some will find themselves
in hell for eternity. Hell—who would choose that? Those who don’t choose Jesus
as their Savior, choose Hell by default. No one can do anything—no good works—that
will make God let them into Heaven. We can’t buy our way in…or do some good deed
that will assure our place in Heaven. God doesn’t do things that way. The
result of sin is death—and everyone sins. Our sins have to be paid for—but we can’t
ever “pay” for that. Only Jesus could take care of that for us as He became the
sacrifice--like a sacrificial lamb--and gave His life for us on the cross. Jesus was obedient to God the
Father—and God the Father showed a great love for mankind by allowing Jesus,
His only Son, to be sacrificed for our sin. 
Life of Christ
Depicted on this cross...
from Medjugorje.
And since
it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that
case, God's grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Romans
11:6
Grace…undeserved favor. Ultimate and undeserved love. We cannot
earn it—it is a gift from God. No one can work their way into Heaven.
Verses of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed,
bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless
living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness,
and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when
the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Titus
2:11-13
Memory Verse of the Week ~ Work willingly at whatever you do,
as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians
3:23
© 2022 Text, photos, and
illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New
Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright ©
1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale
House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter
Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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