God says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;..." (Proverbs 1:7a). Many, in this time of national upheaval and false security, are afraid. They are afraid for themselves, their families, and for their friends. They are afraid about their future in this life because of the uncertainty of the economy or because of the evil in the world.

In Matthew 10:28, God says, "And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." We spend so much time thinking about our life here on earth and yet most do not even consider their eternal life. Yet, it's our eternal life God says we should be planning for.

1 John 5:13 says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may KNOW that you HAVE eternal life." God doesn't want us to be afraid or wonder where we will spend eternity. He wants us to KNOW, without fear.

We are all sinners. All of us have offended a holy God because of our sin and we deserve hell. All of us owe a debt to God for that sin. That debt is to spend eternity in hell.

But God, being rich in mercy toward us, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place. Jesus hung on that cross instead of you and I. He went through the suffering and punishment that was meant for US. He took OUR place on that cross and carried the weight of OUR sins on His back. He was perfect, and yet He willingly covered Himself with our sins and died. Then, before He died, He said, "It is finished" to exclaim to you and I that our sin debt to God had been PAID IN FULL.

So what is it that God now requires of us? The answer is simple. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life." (John 6:47) God says, "...he who BELIEVES HAS eternal life." In other words, anyone who trusts and relies on His death and sacrifice alone as TOTAL payment for their sins, HAS eternal life. That's right now!

There is no "what if" about it. No doubt, no fear, no wondering. Then to prove to us that His death was "acceptable in the sight of God", He was raised from the dead as proclamation to us all.

Just believing in His existance won't save anyone from hell. Believing (trusting alone) that His death paid for each and every one of your sins will. "Hence, also, He is able to SAVE FOREVER those who draw near to God THROUGH HIM..." (Hebrews 7:25a).

Do not be afraid of this world. "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled." (1 Peter 3:14) "But they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." (1 Peter 4:5)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6&7)

Jesus Christ said, "I am the door; if anyone enters THROUGH Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (John 10:9)

Where we spend eternity is our own individual decision. We pray you will consider what God says and make the right one.

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