A Cheap View of Heaven!
Therefore, all who dwell upon the Earth whose names written in the Book of Life by the Lamb, who was slain from the beginning of the world, shall worship him. Revelation 13:8.
Forgive me Father for having a cheap view of heaven. I have rejoiced indeed that Jesus died to make a place for me there; but Your Word keeps reminding the difference of salvation and being a disciple.
Isn’t that what Paul means; “Christ…loved the church and gave Himself up for her-that He might present to Himself the church in all of her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
It is one thing to arrive in heaven by the skin of my teeth, but how much better to arrive there applauded! The right to be there is because what Jesus has done for me but also involves the work He has done in me. Simple faith in Him assures me of a place in heaven, but only firmly following Him confirms me being a disciple (2 Peter 1:11).
I must confess that I have been one of those who have cheapened your grace. I have led many to believe that the ease of accepting Christ as Savior also applies to the lived-out in my Christian life. God’s grace is not softness, as witnessed by Calvary’s wounds. God’s grace is simply permission, not qualification. It merely opens the door to God’s great school of training and discipline; it does not promise us it will not come with persecution and suffering.
I thank you Father God for your grace! Without it we would be suffering endlessly and hopelessly lost. Lord, may we never throw your grace to the pigs by living irresponsibly and sloppy here on earth will please You! (Matthew 16:25). Discipleship is a long road in the same direction to the cross.