Thinking tonight of just how far the religious can be away from God and even opposed to Him.
Tonight, the pope, the head of over a *billion* people who claim to know the truth about Jesus has died. But unfortunately, based on the beliefs of the religion he led, we don’t even know if He was saved & will be with Jesus in Heaven! That, to me, is incredibly sad – not just for him, but for millions possibly also deceived by false teachings.
On the surface, his life and ideals (especially for the poor) are admirable and Christ-like. At least his religion directed love and help towards others…
But the deeper issue is: ‘was he, are other people, are *you*, right with God’?
In trying to answer this question, many people turn to religion, many of which use the Bible. Ironically, the Bible teaches that *no one*, will ever be made right with God through doing good things or even by keeping His laws.
In fact, the Bible says that if we even try to earn our way to God (through doing good deeds / keeping the law etc), we actually put ourselves under a curse!
As you think about the Pope dying, my prayer would be that you will think carefully about your own position ‘with’ God: are you safe?
Can you point to a time where you suddenly understood the fact that you were a sinner in need of forgiveness? Where you experience conviction and regret over your actions *to God* (not people). Where you understood with your heart and mind that Jesus died *for you* and that you are forgiven.
If you have never experienced that along with Jesus’ peace, please thin earnestly about where you will spend eternity. The Bible says that if you have lied even once, looked at anyone with lust or hate anyone, you will not make it to Heaven. Breaking any of God’s laws leaves you separated from Him, you have a debt that *must* be paid.
There are only two ways it can be paid:
– by you being sent to hell (your earned wages) or
– by Jesus (He has already paid, you just need to redeem it)
I pray you will choose the latter – it’s FREE, but cost Jesus everything.
Was the Pope without hope?
I am not here to judge people individually, but if he was not trusting in Jesus *alone*, according to the Bible, his hope was mis guided and therefore, useless.
Remember, just because someone has a title or position in a religion it does *not* mean they can be trusted or have accurate theology / ideas about God.
Test for yourself: read the Bible
Free online here:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/john/1.html
Lord Jesus, please convict us, open our eyes and show us your grace. And then, please empower us to live for You & You alone.