Can You Be Sure?
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 9:23-28
He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Hebrews 9:26
When a Christian dies, the believer’s body goes into the ground, waiting to be resurrected when Christ returns to earth. But, upon death, a Christian’s soul is brought into the presence of God! Jesus promised the criminal who was being crucified alongside him that on that very day the man’s soul would be with him in paradise!
How can you know for sure that you too will be with Jesus after you die?
In the Old Testament, countless animals were sacrificed to assure people of God’s forgiveness. But as our reading today says, Jesus did not need to “offer himself again and again.” Instead, he “appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.” “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.”
If being in paradise somehow depended on you and your life, you would have every reason to be uncertain about your eternal future. But if your destiny depends on what Christ has done for you, you can be sure that one day he will say to you also, “Today, you are with me in paradise!” (see Luke 23:43).
If you have confessed your sins to God and turned your life over to him, Christ’s one sacrifice has completely cleansed you from sin! Nothing can prevent you from entering paradise for eternity!
Thank you, God that my destiny doesn’t depend on my life, my devotion, my love, my giving, my serving, or my attitudes. Jesus died in my place so that I can know eternity with you! Amen.
About the author — Shawn Brix
Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.
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