Eternity will prove whether the work done by some evangelists is God's work or man's invention. Many present an "easy" Gospel, i.e., one without personal cost. They spend a brief time with someone and then ask for a "knee-jerk " decision. You know these people because they read a sample prayer of confession for another person and then ask if they agree. After a non-repentant response, they then end the sharing time by saying, "Welcome to the family of God."

Ours is not the first generation to present a no-carb, "lite" Gospel. After all, even a rookie salesman is taught to avoid using negative terms when making a sales presentation. Persecution, trouble, heartache, disappointment? No way - you're looking for a positive response. Who would respond to an offer by discussing the cost before the features and benefits of the product?

I hope you know a person is not saved by what he professes to believe, but rather what he possesses in his heart. Scripture tells us the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us to not only save us, but to also confirm God's approval. (Eph 1:13) So it seems logical then that evidence of salvation should also be visible by seeing the Spirit working in the life of the one claiming to be saved.

Scripture says certain things accompany salvation. (Heb 6:9) That means these things are present in the life of a saved person but missing in the life of everyone else. Do you have this "evidence" of salvation working in you? You might have been told you were saved even though you don't see any outward indication of it. Maybe you think that one experience in the past secures your eternal future with God. If so, I'd like to apologize for an overzealous church for selling such garbage.

We're saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But where does the Bible say a person is saved by what he says or what action he takes? Instead, it's God who saves us and when He does, our life will not be void of the Holy Spirit's work in our life. If you believe you're saved by what some preacher or well-meaning person said about you, you've been duped. By all rights, the person who told you that should have to spend eternity in hell with you. (2 Peter 2:17-22)

Bottom-line: If the Holy Spirit is not living in you when you die (and you will), then you will spend eternity in hell regardless of what anyone here on earth believes. Why not follow Paul's example and perform a spiritual checkup right now?

If you see good things coming out of your experience in this life, make certain it's the product of the Holy Spirit working in you and not just good works you are doing. What's the difference? One saves and the other does not! Death will reveal the truth, but I urge you to not wait until then to find out how you scored on your test. The Spirit can grade you right now if you ask Him!

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Is. 12:1-14:32 2 Co. 13:1-14 Ps. 57:1-11 Pr. 23:9-11 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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