Illusions are fun because they challenge our sense of reality. We see them everywhere, from tricks in magic shows to special effects in movies, and can usually tell the difference between what is real and what is not. But did you know that there are many "tricks" which millions of people fall for everyday? They are the work of the master illusionist, Satan, who is called "the father of lies" in the Bible (John 8:44). He has been tricking people into disobeying God since the beginning of time, and is an experienced deceiver. Have you fallen for any of Satan's tricks?
Illusion #1 - Some believe that everyone goes to Heaven
A much believed lie is that no one will ever have to go to hell. While its true hell was created for Satan and his angels, the Bible says that those who fall for Satan's tricks will go there as well: "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41)
Illusion #2 - Some believe they are too bad to go to Heaven
Sadly, lots of people fall for this one, too. Yes, it's true that we have all messed up. But it's also true that God stands ready to help us: "him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37)
Illusion #3 - Some believe that they are "good enough" to get to Heaven
Every time we answer one of Satan's lies, you can be sure that he has another one to go. Are we really bad enough to go to hell? God's Word says: "All have sinned, (done bad things) and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)
Illusion #4 - Some think they can just earn their way to Heaven
Once we realized we have sinned, the next lie we often fall for is that we have probably done enough good to outweigh our bad deeds. However, in God's eyes, "we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses (good works) are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).
You may be thinking, why does God want us to come to Him? Because He loves us. He loves you, and He loves me - not because we have earned it, but because He chooses to. God proved His love for us when He sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world because of our sins (Romans 5:8). When Jesus died on the cross, He made the way for sinners like you or me to be brought back to God. Our sin was like a debt that needed to be paid; Jesus paid it. Our sin was like a sentence that needed to be served; Jesus served it. Our sin was like a burden that needed to be lifted; Jesus lifted it. Now He is using messages like this to awaken people to their need of Him, to "turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins" (Acts 26:18). Don't fall for Satan's illusions any more. Turn to God and put your faith in someone you can trust - Jesus Christ - TODAY!
Are you thinking about it?
You know you don't want to go to hell, but not sure
what to do to get to Heaven?
Do this:
Pray sincerely... Dear Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner. I believe you died on the cross and paid the penalty for my sin. I believe that you rose from the dead three days later. I am placing my faith in you alone to forgive my sin and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have you prayed this prayer? Did you mean it?Congratulations! Praise the Lord for His mercy and forgiveness! Once you have done this, remember that Jesus said in John 10:28, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
If my Rachel threw a brick through my new van window, I wouldn't kick her out of the family. I would be disappointed, but she will still be my child. God is the same way. Once you are His child, you are His child forever. Thank the Lord for His goodness to you!