“I’m relatively a good person… certainly not as bad as many people.”
There are two areas that are problematic with this approach:
“How many good works do you have to do to gain eternal life and be able to go to heaven when you die? What if you are one good work short?
If you can obtain eternal life and get into heaven by good works, why then did Jesus have to come and die?
The Bible teaches us that we cannot EARN eternal life and merit our own entrance into heaven. It is a gift that we receive by faith. Good works are very important, but none of them can erase our sin. Only Jesus and His work on the cross can forgive us.
What would hinder you from truly surrendering your life to the authority and love of Jesus Christ, the only God who died for YOU?
“I have sinned a lot and my sins are really bad.”
According to the Bible, we have ALL sinned, and thus NO ONE can claim to be good and no one can manufacture their own eternal life with God. Whether our sins seem small or large, few or many, we are all disqualified. We are all sinners.
But God’s love covers EVERY sin. Even as Jesus was dying on the cross, two murderers were also being crucified with Him. One mocked Jesus, but the other pleaded with Jesus to forgive Him. And Jesus said He would.
So, enough excuses. It is time to call out to God and ask Him to be in control of your life. Ask Him to forgive you and be your Lord, Savior and boss of your life.
“I’m not ready.”
Have you considered your eternal destiny if you were to die unexpectedly?
How would you know when you are ready?
Just as there is a God who loves you so deeply, there also is a devil who hates you completely. He will give you all sorts of reasons and excuses NOT to give your life and heart to Jesus. That’s why the Bible calls him the ‘father of all lies’.
Or, maybe you are not ready to give up some sin in your life, that’s nothing new.
If your favorite sin will keep you away from God’s love and out of heaven, is it worth it? And any sin you give up will be replaced by a far greater joy and peace in your heart, I promise.
Go ahead. Reach out to God in faith, and leave the excuses behind you. He will help you everyday.
"God has too many more important issues than my prayers.”
Do you think the God Who holds the whole universe together can only answer 20 prayer requests a day? Do you think you have to wait in line, or to clean up your life first before God will hear you?
The Bible says that He desires that all would repent and escape the judgement that is to come.
You don’t know when your last day on earth will take place. You can be assured of having eternal life by putting your faith in Him and receiving new life in Him.