Why its impossible to get yourself into heaven.

A few months ago there was a speaker at Southern Adventist University that was concentrating on the end time message comparing twin institutions established at eden. His presentation was definitely for bringing the students to repentance. He made powerful statements that I am sure changed the lives of many, but there were a few things that really impacted me and have ever since stuck to my mind.

He said homosexuality will deny you an entrance into heaven. At first when I heard it I was shocked to hear such a blatant statement and I was almost offended at the lack of tact used in his speech. Of course, I realized I was attacking his style over the message. I tried to look past it but then I realized how big this statement is.

• One thing we have to realize as Christians is that "gay" people should not be marked with the identity of "gay." People have names that were carefully chosen by their parents and should not be labeled for the actions they perform or the things they believe but instead they should be viewed as normal human beings that are God's children. They are to be honored, and loved, and taken care of. There is no reason for us to think that they are the leprous sinners that should be cast out of towns and societies because of what they practice. They should be lovingly embraced into your home, into your bible studies, into your churches, into your family events. The last thing that I would want is for people to cast me out and judge me because of my struggles, and my sins. God never casts out those who diligently seek him, instead He invites them into sit and dine with Him. 

• Second I saw the magnitude of sin. Sin has no measurement, its not small, nor is it big. It is just sin. We have no right to zone in on one particular sin just to elevate it to a level that makes others feel better about their own sin. A christian should know he/she is a sinner, and should be able to be specific with their sins. What do you mean specific with your sins? Pointing out the sin of homosexuality is very specific and a struggle for many christians and non christians alike. So if one is to point out homosexuality specifically, then when you refer to your own sin, be specific. The generic mention of "yes I am a sinner too" is not enough. Be vulnerable and say your specific sin! Allow yourself to be judged if you will be exposing others to judgement.

• No one is able to get into heaven...This was the last and final thought that came to my mind. I was thinking so much about the denial of sinners into heaven and all I saw was a big "DENIED" sign on my head. If homosexuals cannot get in, then there is no chance for me either. If the Bible says that no sin is greater than another then all my "small" sins of jealously, envy, anger, selfishness, vanity, and arrogance would have to be seen side by side with sexual immorality. With murder. With Abuse. I am unworthy of entering the holy gates that require a spotless person. A perfect being. I cannot enter heaven.
  Yet, thats the beauty of the gospel. All of our struggles, all of our sins, all of our impurities are not counted against us, because we have a mediator. There is only One person that can enter heaven, and that is Christ. So we cling to Him when the day of judgement comes because no one can stand proudly before the Mighty Pure King but only the Spotless Lamb can stand before Him. 

So yeah its pretty unfortunate that we cannot make it past the Pearly Gates, but thats not our job. We are only to accept the guidance and love of the Savior. So the next time you feel like you need to condemn someone else for their sins, think about the last time you were not nice or the last time you did something selfish and repent, because we will never be able to share the love of Jesus unless we experience our own necessity for Him. When Jesus washed the feet of sinners it was an act of humility an act of love. He came to be a servant so that YOU a sinner might humble yourself before him and others. To show the true love that the gospel brings, and that is servanthood to one another.

This speaker is one of many that are beginning to be more open about sexual sins. Something that many people struggle with. No, a sinner cannot make it into heaven, a homosexual, a liar, a selfish and  evil person cannot make it into heaven... but a Person that washes the feet of another, a Person that humbled Himself before humanity even though He was God can make it into heaven. So if you are struggling with homosexuality, porn addiction, or any other lack of control in sexual desires. There is Someone that would love to help you and serve you: His name is Jesus.