by jimwalton » Fri Nov 18, 2022 8:24 pm
I recently surveyed the Gospels to make a list, from the mouth of Jesus, as to how you get into Heaven. What is it that gets you there? Jesus gave many answers, but a cluster of them rose to the top via repetition:
- If you want to be part of the kingdom of God, you must repent and believe. Sin is presented as the antithesis of Jesus and it must be repented from.
- That Jesus Himself is the access point, and Jesus is calling sinners to himself
- That one must be born of the Spirit
- He is looking for faith.
- Obey the Law and keep the commandments (here's where the two commands are applicable).
- Do God's will
- Put the words of Jesus into practice
- Align yourself with Jesus, identify with him, and follow Him
- Love God
- Love Jesus
- Lose your life (deny self) for Jesus's sake
- good works ("love of neighbor")
- Humility
- Live by the truth; come into the light, both of which are Jesus Himself
- Drink the "living water" that Jesus gives
I recently surveyed the Gospels to make a list, from the mouth of Jesus, as to how you get into Heaven. What is it that gets you there? Jesus gave many answers, but a cluster of them rose to the top via repetition:
[list][*] If you want to be part of the kingdom of God, you must repent and believe. Sin is presented as the antithesis of Jesus and it must be repented from.
[*] That Jesus Himself is the access point, and Jesus is calling sinners to himself
[*] That one must be born of the Spirit
[*] He is looking for faith.
[*] Obey the Law and keep the commandments (here's where the two commands are applicable).
[*] Do God's will
[*] Put the words of Jesus into practice
[*] Align yourself with Jesus, identify with him, and follow Him
[*] Love God
[*] Love Jesus
[*] Lose your life (deny self) for Jesus's sake
[*] good works ("love of neighbor")
[*] Humility
[*] Live by the truth; come into the light, both of which are Jesus Himself
[*] Drink the "living water" that Jesus gives[/list]