READ: ACTS
1:15-20
Last week,
we took a cursory look at the parable of the ten virgins. We shall take a
second, and indeed, a closer look at the same parable today. If you can recall
what we learnt last week you would discover that being a Christian is not
enough. Ten virgin started a race but five of them lost out. When the cry came
forth as the bridegroom came at midnight, they all heard and woke up. All of
them were prepared to go and meet the bridegroom. Yet, five made it and five
lost out. Why did the five lose out? The message that the Almighty God wants to
get across to us is that it would take more than ordinary preparations to get to
Heaven. It requires more than being born- again and being sanctified, and more
the attending a Bible-believing church. There are several people who are
born-again who will go to Hell. It would take more than practising what you
hear, as well as more than being baptised in the Holy Spirit and speaking in
tongues, to get to Heaven. Many people who spoke in tongues are in Hell now. We
have a good example in Ananias and Sapphira. Because , according to Acts 4:31,
all the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, these two people lied to the
Holy Spirit, and died and went to Hell. It requires more than watching for the
second coming of Jesus Christ, paying of tithes and given of offerings, or
Bible Study to get to get Heaven. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:20, “For I
say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” It
will take more than holiness to get to Heaven. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Pursue
peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
The first condition to get to Heaven, according to the above Bible passage, is
that you should pursue peace with all men. The second is holiness. It is only
the combination of the two that will make you see God. It will take more than
being a chosen generation. For instance, Judas Iscariot was chosen, according
to our text. He had part in the ministry of God. He cast out demons and
probably performed miracles. However, he ended up in Hell. It will take extra
preparation to get to Heaven.
MEMORIZE:
MATTHEW 5:20 –For I say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the
kingdom of heaven.
