Day 290 - 297 - Unsaved Church-Goer?

I met a lady today who believed she would go to heaven when she died. Because almost everyone in Tulsa thinks they're going to heaven, I asked her how she knew for sure. She looked off into the distance for a moment and then turned and said, "I got to ____ Methodist Church and try to live a good life." Only God knows a person's heart and eternal condition, but that answer made very clear that she did not know the gospel taught by Jesus or His disciples. Her response showed that she lacked biblical knowledge of the truth that saves, or at least she couldn't articulate it in that moment. Anyone who cares about another's eternal welfare could not leave her in that moment. No matter how "good" a person thinks they may be, that alone will not save them. Our "goodness" is like a filth in God's sight (Is. 64:6). Jesus warned that unless she believes the truth and repents, she will perish in her filthy condition (Mk. 1:15, Jn. 14:6, Lk. 13:1-5).

We cannot assume the "church-goers" around us are saved. We cannot assume that those who "live a good life" are born again. Jesus warned a very sincerely religious seeker that unless one is born again he will NOT see the kingdom of heaven (Jn. 3:3). We should love people enough to warn others, just as Jesus did.

God declared in Hosea 4:6 that "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge . . . ." For that reason, Jesus taught his disciples, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). Jesus taught that it is the Truth alone that saves us from eternity in hell if we will act upon that truth by repenting (John 14:6; Mk. 1:15; Lk. 13:1-5).

I asked her if she knew what Jesus said to do in order to know with certainty that her destiny will indeed be heaven. She did not know. Her lack of knowledge could lead to her destruction. I went on to share with her the full gospel message. I then asked her if she has believed and has repented. She said she has done those things. She said she had repented and believed. Maybe she did know the truth but didn't how to share it. I'll likely not know this side of eternity. One thing I know. She heard the full gospel today and received a gospel tract that explained the full gospel. I pray that she will make her calling and election sure.