Warning: This May Alter Your Perception of Heaven
At first blush this poll statement seems a bit over the top. The common opinion among many is that you have “do good” or “be good” to make it to heaven.
This common wisdom contradicts the words of Scripture. Leviticus 19:2 proclaims that we need to be holy as God is holy. That is we must be set apart from the moral imperfections and impurities of they world since God is. This seems like an impossible standard for us to achieve since everyone regardless of their faith would agree that “nobody’s perfect”.
Surely, God doesn’t mean that we have to perfect. But he does as he cannot accept any impurity or imperfection (sin) into his presence lest he become imperfect or impure.
Think of it this way: if you have a glass of water, it is 100% pure water. That is there is not any other fluid in the glass but water. It is pure and perfect. Now if you put the tiniest drop of coffee into the glass of water, it is no longer 100% water. It is tainted and no longer pure.
The same is true about God. If we entered into His presence eternally with even with the tiniest amount of impurity (sin), then God will be tainted and no longer be perfect.
Because God’s foundation is made of righteousness and justice (Psalm 97:2), he will not allow that to happen for if he did he would no longer be righteous or just. Roman 6:23 reveals to us the ultimate outcome of our impurity (sin) is death.
In this context, not only is the Bible proclaiming that sin causes physical death, but it also causes spiritual death…that we are separated from God forever due to our imperfection and impurity.
Scripture for this post as quoted by the ESV:
Exodus 19:6 …and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Leviticus 19:2 …You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.
Psalm 97:2 …righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death…
By David Zook, Pastor of Morningside Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, AZ.
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