Assured Heart - Thoughts about God by Rand Kreycik

Many of us were taught the “balance principle” growing up. You know, the belief that if our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds at the end of the day then we will be entitled to get into heaven. I can clearly remember my mother admonishing us to live right so that we could tip the balance in our favor someday.

But when I grew up, I saw a problem. How do I ever know I’ve done enough? When will I have earned the right to waltz through those Heavenly Gates?

Well, of course, never! The Bible makes it clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

Uh-oh. No balance principle there. How can I, a sinful man, condemned to death, draw near to God? How should I live now?

The only way, the Book of Hebrews teaches, is by entering where our Priest, Jesus Christ, went before us and made a way to break down the wall of sin that separated us from God. The above passage makes it clear. I must have the faith in full assurance that the way has been prepared for me. When I have faith that nothing stands between me and God — not because of my efforts, but because of Jesus’ faithfulness — I can hold fast to hope and not waver in faithful faith because of His faithful promise.

So can you. Don’t assume it will all balance out.

Lord, you looked down through eternity and saw this sinner, who would struggle to be free. And in your love and mercy, you saved me by sacrificing yourself on the cross and becoming my High Priest. Thank you for faithfully making the way so that I could know you by faith and live forever in your presence. Amen.

By Rand Kreycik
Used by Permission

If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, and would like to know Him in the way the author does, you can start today. Simply say this prayer and your journey with Christ will begin:

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to trust you from now on. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Thank you for enabling me to trust you in these uncertain times. Amen.

Another Sample Prayer:

Dear God, today I bring you my life, my hopes, my dreams, my deepest yearnings … You know me intimately. You knew me even before I was formed in the womb. You called me into this world to do good and live the life I was uniquely and specifically created for. I ask for Courage and Wisdom to live this life–the life of my dreams. Show me where to start and help me be open to hearing your Voice today. I ask for a greater consciousness of your Presence, today and every day of my life. Amen.