Day 62 - The Jew, The Catholic, and The ...??

I struck up a conversation this afternoon with Shawn. She basically wasn't sure what her eternal destiny would be. She understand that she had violated God's moral law, but hoped that asking forgiveness would be enough to save her. As I explained to her why asking forgiveness alone was insufficient to save her from her sins using the analogy of asking a human judge to forgive or overlook a person's crimes without imposing the sentence that is due under the law, she began to understand the necessity of believing that Jesus paid the penalty due under the law on her behalf and receiving that divine payment by faith.

As we spoke, two of her friends walked up and joined the conversation. One said she was a Jew and didn't believe in heaven or hell. Another was a Catholic and said he didn't believe a person goes straight to heaven or hell when they die.

I asked the Jew what evidence supported her belief that there's no heaven or hell. She said there is no evidence to prove whether there's a heaven or hell. I told her that there was in fact evidence. Exhibit A: Jesus predicted his death and resurrection before it happened. Ex. B: Jewish leaders had Pilate post a host of soldiers to guard Jesus' tomb to prevent his body from being stolen and to prevent a false report of his resurrection. Ex. C: The empty tomb despite the guards. Ex. D: Jesus showed himself to hundreds of witnesses for 40 days who were still alive at the time of the new testament books that were written about Jesus' resurrection and could have been interviewed or cross examined in an effort to refute their testimony, but they never were. I told them there is plenty of evidence, and Jesus went to directly to heaven just as he said he would and just as he said we would (see the story of the rich man and lazarus).

They were listening. I gave them gospel tracts and urged them to repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation before it's too late. I explained what repentance means and the importance of trusting Christ alone. I urged them to do that before it's too late. They thanked me and we went our way.