#55 Let's ask the Magic 8 Ball! Let's not! "Thoughts from the Back Deck..."




Am I good enough to go to heaven?! 
It's not an uncommon question. There are variants of this, like...
I think I am going to heaven. I have lived a godly life. I try to be good to others. I believe in the golden rule. Well, I am not sure why I wouldn't go to heaven. I guess I am.

It's like we are asking one of those magic 8 balls and getting any of the 20 possible answers from the magic window. 

Not really assuring. 

Let's start with that first question again: Am I good enough to go to heaven?

*Shake-shake-shake-rattle-rattle-rattle* 
(Goes the 8 Ball and our brains!) 

Survey says!
NO. 

(Crowd sighs: "awe"). 

You lose.

But the Lord says...


Why would the Lord want to reason together with us? 

The reality is there is nothing, and I mean NOTHING in me or that I have done that is good! Being a pastor, a father, a husband... Nothing!!!

Metaphorically speaking, my hands are covered in blood- red, scarlet, crimson, blood as I have hurt others with my thoughts, words, deeds, actions and inactions.

There's nothing that I am not guilty of! I have committed every possible sin in some way or another.

Yet the Lord says, "Come let us reason together."

In other words, he still loves me...
...and He loves you. 

The Lord's grace is greater than our sin. As we realize our brokenness and sinfulness, we can't help but confess and rely on His grace. 

Through Jesus, we are washed clean. No stain of sin is so deep or so interwoven in our soul that it is not totally and completely washed clean. 

No magic 8 Ball is needed.

To every sin, the answer is FORGIVEN.

Peace out,
Andy

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