From: Ann Martin
Columbus
This is in regards to a recent letter submitted by an individual who expressed concern about "cancel culture" and his choices in life when his time comes to enter "the pearly gate" or "not-so-pearly gates." While some comments appeared to be maybe more tongue-in-cheek, there seemed to me to be an underlying concern about his final destination.
I certainly don’t know this individual and have no idea where he stands spiritually. However, I detected some genuine trepidation in his thoughts regarding his existence after he leaves his life on this Earth as we are all destined. Therefore, I would like to share the following:
First of all, EVERYONE makes unfortunate choices in life. We also make some pretty darned good ones as well.
There is not one person who will ever enter "the pearly gates" on his or her own volition. As an example, this even includes well-known people of faith such as Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, the Apostle Paul, etc. whom most people tend to think of as exceptionally gifted and devout servants to God.
There are also those people who have made some really bad choices in life who, for all practical purposes, should have been on a fast-track to the "not-so-pearly gates."
Most of us, though, seem to fall somewhere between trying to do the best we can while causing as little harm to others as possible. However, if any of these individuals have come to acknowledge and personally accept the fact that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to Earth long ago to pay for their and everyone’s wayward behavior by giving His life on the cross, such individuals are secure in their knowledge that heaven will be their final destination (please see John 3:16-18 in the Bible).
No one can "work" their way to heaven — not even those who spend a lifetime serving God.
But EVERYONE can enter heaven by simply and sincerely asking God for forgiveness for the bad things we’ve done, thought, and said, and by accepting the most important gift of all time: His son Jesus who willingly gave His life on our behalf so that we don’t suffer for eternity for our times of bad judgment while on Earth. He accepted the punishment due us; trading places with us if you will. He then rose from His grave and proved He is very much alive.
No one ever needs to question where they will end up after death if they simply and truly accept this precious gift. Past mistakes are not a barrier. Easter is quickly approaching when Christians around the world celebrate this awesome miracle.
Just remember, each person has the choice of where they will go after death. Life on Earth is not the end of our story.
