Heaven – is everyone going there?
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
A popular religious song says, “When we all get to heaven…” This may be referring to those saved by the blood of Christ, but there are those who believe that everyone is going to be in heaven. Is this popular idea taught in scripture?
The Bible says that God has provided salvation and a home in heaven through Jesus Christ for everyone who obeys Him. The writer to the Hebrews said, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9).
Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Provisions have been made for our salvation, and there is no need for anyone to be punished in hell!
Even though salvation and a home in heaven have been made available, the majority of people will not enter heaven. Jesus said in Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Jesus also said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Notice carefully the statement of Jesus concerning heaven, “Few are they that find it.” But, why does Jesus say that only a few will be saved in heaven?
Sadly, many will not be able to enter heaven because they blindly followed some religious teacher. John wrote, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
We must investigate all that is taught and compare it with the scriptures. The Bereans were commended because they “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Some will not enter heaven because they failed to obey the gospel. Salvation is conditional from beginning to end. It is God’s desire that all men would be saved. Paul wrote, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:3-4).
Even though it is God’s will that all would be saved, He will not save us against our will! The Bible says, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9).
God gives us the ability to accept and obey the gospel or reject it. If we obey the gospel and become New Testament Christians just as we find people doing in the book of Acts and we live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) then we can enjoy heaven, the beautiful home of the soul.
Dear friend, just living a good moral life will not save you nor will your good intentions. Your soul is too valuable (Matthew 16:26) and eternity is too long (Matthew 25:46) to miss heaven. Will you not obey the gospel while you have time and opportunity? If you would like to study the Bible, please contact us at Dabass1962@bellsouth.net or write to us at: Rockford Church of Christ; 8997 U.S. Hwy. 231; Rockford, AL 35136.
Visit with us on Sunday morning for Bible study at 9:00 and worship at 10:00. We are located just down from the Dollar General on Highway 231. Search the Scriptures!
