I stand in awe when I consider the love, mercy, and longsuffering of God! God has done so much for us in order for "us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light" (Col. 1:12). God's eternal desire is for "all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4). God does not want a single soul to be lost. "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).
And yet, God will not force anyone to obey His will—we are creatures with free moral agency—we can reject all that God has done for us and judge ourselves "unworthy of everlasting life" (Acts 13:46).
Most of the people reading this article believe in the existence of God, and of a home He has prepared for those who love Him and keep His commandments. However, how much do you treasure that home in heaven? What I am asking is this: What are you willing to let keep you out of heaven and a home with God?
In the final day of accounts many sincere individuals are going to be turned away from heaven's door. "Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matt. 7:22-23). Jesus said at that time there "will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out" (Luke 13:28).
It is sad to see one fall away who has "tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come" (Heb. 6:4-5). It is sad because they had once "escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 2:20). Now, with an unrepentant heart, they "crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame"(Heb. 6:6).
Let us notice three things that will keep people out of heaven—even individuals who at one time took their place among those who would hunger and thirst after righteousness. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17).
The things of the world may be desired and possessed for the uses and purposes which God intended—they are to be used to His glory. The world draws the heart away from God, and the more the love of the world prevails, the more the love of God decays. The things of the world are classed according to the three major proclivities of fallen men.
John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
