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Now, The Conclusion is Nearby!

It's always amazed me how so many can move through this life with little or no preparation for their eternity! Since death is 100% in every generation, this eternity looms nearby for all!

There is a scripture that is read or quoted at many funeral or memorial services where Jesus says:

"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also", John 14:1-3

This great promise is only for those who make preparations for eternity following God's plan rather than trusting their own or some plan that excludes God's only plan!

There can be no doubt about who Jesus is speaking of in that scripture: This promise from Him is exclusively for those who have believed on Him as their Saviour. For, in the same passage, He makes it PLAIN, in the following verses, that there is only ONE way to this PLACE He has prepared for His children. "Jesus said to him,

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." " John 14:6

It is pure foolishness for one to take any comfort in these words of Jesus' if you have not received Him as your Saviour. And, there is only ONE way to have Him as your Saviour. You cannot trust in your works, or your religion, or your heritage. He says, you must quit trusting in any and all of these things and instead, trust in Him. He then will be your Saviour and give you eternal life as a free gift! Then you are prepared for whatever life "deals" you!

Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

Salvation first, through this free gift of faith, then one is equiped for good works! Not the other way around!

Sadly, a huge majority refuse to trust solely on Jesus. They think they are going to heaven based upon their works or religion etc. They just don't want to admit their sin and agree with God! Jesus said, "Many will say to Me on that day,

'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name - - - - And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you' - - -"Matt. 7:22-23

You don't have to stay and go with the crowd! You can know for sure that you are ready for whatever "life" deals you! You see, I have a "written contract" from God! This as a result of my faith in the finished work of my Lord Jesus! And you can also have His written contract! It's up to you!

"The one who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; the one who does not believe in God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the witness that God has borne concerning His Son. And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. he who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life." 1st John 5:10-13

You can have this written contract too!

Notice that there are only 2 kinds of people, those who have the Son, and those who do not have the Son. No middle ground! It's His way or No way! The only way, (His way), is with Him, but any "other way" is to have an eternity without Him!

So, in conclusion, at this writing, being 80 years old, I can honestly say that God has met all my material needs and most of my "wants"! And in His wisdom, He has kept me, (at least for the most part), humble, since significant material success has eluded me. Humble, and undeserving, but extremely thankful to be forgiven and to be His child, in His care! With an eternal destiny with Him in heaven!

Then, on the other hand, in what really counts; He has blessed me immensely with riches in family and friends, co-workers and relationships. He has gifted me with the assurance that I have this eternity with Him, now underway, which started 74 years ago, that will improve in the future, and will be wonderful beyond description. What more could one wish?!

"Speed the day!"

Sincerely,

Duane, 3/25/05