God Accepts Everyone

There are no requirements for entering into the Kingdom of Heaven apart from the confession of sins and seeking God’s Forgiveness for sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And there’s no place in scripture that makes this truth more clear than the thief on the cross. As he was dying, he acknowledged Jesus for who He was and was told that even on that day he would be in paradise.

It’s often easier to reach a scoundrel with the Gospel than an unsaved “good person” who’s living an otherwise exemplary life. Good people often see themselves as being better than most Christians and have no interest in becoming one. They honestly believe they’re earning their way into Heaven. On the other hand, scoundrels know they’re separated from God and are feeling the heat. They are often responsive to the message that God loves them. So don’t be put off by outward appearances.

The next time you feel condemnation or put off by another person, remind yourself that God loves them as much as He loves you. He died for them as much as He died for you. Be thankful that you’re not trapped in their godless mindset and search for ways to move them closer to Jesus. They’re lost. How are they going to know this unless someone tells them? Unless you tell them?

Most important, don’t feel like you have to clean people up before you can get them saved. That’s not in the playbook. The Church has become very good at telling people why they’re going to Hell and fallen silent on the message that God loves them just as they are. Our job is to connect them with the God who loves them so He can save them…and then disciple them.