Believe?

This blog is about “Building Strong Foundations in a Shifting World.”

Here, then, is what I believe is the absolute bedrock of all foundations.

When we take our last breath, what’s next? What is most important once our heart lies still at last?

Do you know where you will spend eternity?

Not a hope so or a maybe. Not just a warm, fuzzy feeling based on some philosophy, a deep emotional experience, or some popular worldview currently in vogue.

Also, not what joining a church, a denomination, tithing, being baptized, living a good life, observing sacraments, going on a pilgrimage, or thousands (!) of other works will do for our salvation.

You see, one of the most terrifying warnings in the Bible came from none other than Jesus. Perhaps He spoke quietly, with deep regret knowing how serious His warning was. Maybe He shouted with tears in His eyes. Perhaps He set his jaw and glared at those He addressed, trying to break through the pride and deceit that hardened their hearts:

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many [a]miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23; all scriptures NASB; emphasis added)