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And The Winner Is…

And The Winner Is…
By Dennis Huebshman

People fill the gambling casinos around the country every day. Everyone is looking for the “big score”, so they can take it easy and enjoy life. Reality is, there are very few that hit the “jackpots”; and those that do are usually financially broke after just a short period of time. The same goes for buying lottery tickets. Problem is that some people spend money they can’t afford in hopes of a big win. (all emphasis mine)

If someone is prone to be a gambler, they will buy lottery tickets, get in on the sports pools at work, or even go to a casino now and then; and that’s entirely their prerogative. The one area no one should ever gamble with is their eternal destiny.

Should you decide that you wish to have a “sure thing”, you will find the greatest of all is a no-risk move that will guarantee that you definitely will be a “Grand-Prize” winner. Matter of fact, once you’ve won this prize, it’s yours forever. There are some stipulations you must meet to receive the reward; however, once you do so, it is absolutely yours with no strings attached, or any hidden agendas. Also, it doesn’t matter what your earthly human status is, you are eligible to receive the grand prize that no amount of money or works can buy.

First, let’s look at some of the guarantees. Number one, “All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” That’s found in Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13. When the Lord repeats something, it is definitely a fact to be seriously considered. Romans 10:9 gives the basics; “because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” It’s a true guarantee. Going to verses 11 and 12, “For the scripture says, everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek (gentile); for the same God is Lord of all; bestowing His riches on all who call on Him.” That pertains to every person on this earth.

Some may say this sounds too easy to be true. Please note that God’s Holy word is more valuable than any treasure you may ever find that is of this earth. First, the Creator of the universe is faithful and just, and cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) Numerous other religious groups worship impersonal “gods” that are said to “demand” so many works, prayers and sacrifices; and no one is ever assured they have done enough. They are gambling that they will have earned the right that when they leave this earth, they will be allowed into whatever paradise they are working toward.

Our Heavenly Father makes it perfectly clear that none of us are righteous enough. Romans 3:10-12, “None is righteous, no not one. (11) No one understands; no one seeks for God. (12) All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” That sounds like everyone is condemned, no matter what. Romans 3:23 adds, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

In Matthew 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18, Jesus used a rich young ruler as an example of how difficult it is for the wealthy to get into heaven. Jesus had told the young ruler to sell all that he had, and give the proceeds to the poor. The young man sadly walked away because his “things” were more valuable to him than his eternal soul. Jesus used the example of a camel going through the eye of a needle being easier than a rich person inheriting the kingdom of Heaven, and the disciples asked who then could be saved. Jesus said that with man, it is impossible; but nothing is impossible for God.

Joshua had absolutely the right idea. In Chapter 24 verse 15, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” His priority was perfect. We cannot go wrong serving the Lord God Jehovah, no matter what the majority of the world believes.

Jesus knew that the majority of everyone who ever lived on earth, or ever will live on this earth, did not obey the Father pre-calvary; and would not accept Him as Savior post-calvary. Matthew 7:13-14 tells of two gates; one wide and broad, and the other straight and narrow. The wide gate would get the most activity. Few would find the straight and narrow.

Satan has always been a great deceiver, and he knows just how to entice people to follow his ways. He goes after our “greeds” while the Father is all about our “needs”. The one verse in all the Bible that brings this home is John 14:6, “Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by Me.” This is absolute with no room for any other interpretation. Those who are lost totally disregard this verse. They fall under 1 Corinthians 1:18, where the message of the Cross is foolishness to them. Imagine how “foolish” they are going to feel at the Great White Throne. (Revelation 20:11-15)

God has not made the pathway to salvation so difficult that many would not be able to make it. Yes, He has certain stipulations that must be met, but none are impossible for anyone. The hard part is believing and accepting that His Son, Jesus, is our only hope. Once a person truly realizes this, they are amazed at how clear and easy the message is. The “fog” of sin is cleared, and we see satan for what he really is.

God purposely did not make it real hard for us. In 2 Peter 3:9, we read; “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise, as some count slowness; but is patient toward you; not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

AS a song verse goes, “My Hope is built on nothing less; than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame; but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

That beloved ones is a totally sure bet; and there is no game of chance at all. As I said earlier, if you must gamble in some manner, shape or form; buy a lottery ticket. As for your soul, put it in the hands of the One who gives us a rock solid guarantee that comes from our Heavenly Father through the shed blood of our Savior Jesus the Christ. All who call on the name of the Lord are winners.

Through “Ahavah Olin” (Love Everlasting) – Shalom!

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