Many well-meaning and concerned friends and acquaintances have offered condolences and comfort since Tyler died. Some are believers, some are not. Interestingly, we’ve had members of both groups respond in an inquisitive manner when told we are confident we will see Tyler again when we meet in Heaven. They ask, “How can you be so sure?” The response is as simple as understanding the answer to the really big question below.

The following gospel message of salvation is what Tyler understood in his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. We are grateful to our church family at Grace Community Bible Church for selecting this gospel presentation material, and to the Evantell organization for simplifying the message.

What am I depending on to get into Heaven?
I’m a pretty good person, at least compared to others I know…
I usually go to church…
I volunteer at the shelter and youth center when they need someone…
I contribute at least 10% of my earnings to church and charity….
Sorry, but those and similar answers are all wrong!
The Bible tells you about good news, and bad news, and it is as simple as that.

First the bad news – Romans 3:23 tells us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. All means all, everyone, no exceptions. We are all sinners and fall short of the standards set to gain acceptance by God.

The bad news gets worse! Romans 6:23 tells us “For the wages of sin is death”. In this context as in an employment relationship, “wages” are something earned as a consequence for an act. For the act of our sin, our wage (or what we have earned) is death; with death being an eternal separation from God’s glory.

Fortunately for us, the news gets much better, the free gift of eternal salvation and God’s glory. Romans 5:8 tell us “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God loved(s) us so much, that even though we have chosen to sin against Him, he sent his son Jesus Christ to die in our place in order to pay the wages of our sin. Next is the simple, but often misunderstood concepts of grace and faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Simply put, God has shown us grace, and if we repent and put our faith in the fact that Jesus Christ died for our sins, we will share eternal life with Him in heaven. There are no amount of physical works or good deeds we can do to “earn” our way into heaven.

If you have not already done so, we hope this simple presentation of the gospel moves you to place your faith in Jesus Christ alone as your savior and your answer to the really big question. If so, please pray this simple prayer… God is listening!

Lord I recognize I am a sinner and fall short of your expectations. I also understand the penalty for my sin is death and eternal separation from you. Lord I’m sorry that I have sinned against you, I accept your grace and place my faith in the fact Jesus Christ died for my sins and arose three days later. His death paid the penalty for my sin, and it is only by placing my faith in this act that I may receive eternal life. Thank for your grace and thank you for Jesus.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.