Too many think that if they just believe in God, or say a “Sinner’s Prayer”, then they are saved. Here’s what I think about that.
You know, it’s not enough *just* to believe in God/Jesus.
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19
If it’s enough just to believe in God and be saved (go to heaven), then logically speaking, it means that the devils (demons) will also be saved and go to heaven, because they believe in God. (They know how real and powerful He is because they tremble at Him.)
That’s why I say that it’s not enough just to believe.
Here is more proof that not everyone who just believes in God will get a free pass to heaven.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
If yours is a genuine conversion to Christ though, then your life will change. You will change.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
You will not stay the same person you were beforehand. The things you once loved will be important no more.
For example, the music that you used to listen to won’t be as appealing anymore.
The language you use and the way you speak will change.
The friends that you had will not be as appealing anymore (unless they were already Christians) because you will find the things they do (drinking, partying, sleeping around etc) will not interest you anymore.
The tv shows you watch will lose their appeal as you see how banal and pedestrian they really are.
You will start to focus more on the things of Christ.
You will be interested in hanging out with others who are believers, so you can speak about your beliefs with others who understand.
You will start to see the world in a whole new way, and you probably won’t like it very much.
You will want to be obedient to God and not live the way you did before.
You will also probably lose friends and family, because they just don’t understand where you are coming from anymore. (“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14)
All these things are good though, it means that God is refining you and preparing you for a life in His Kingdom in heaven.
Our treasures and rewards aren’t on this earth, they are in heaven with our Heavenly Father. 😀
eternityisforever 