It’s tragic news about Kobe Bryant. I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind since I heard of his sudden death on Sunday. So I figured I would share what’s on my heart.
For me the news of Kobe’s death is even more heart-breaking because it involves so many facets. It was so shocking that it left many stunned in unbelief. Another aspect is that he was killed in the helicopter crash along with his daughter. What must the young family be going through? Another facet is that he was one of the greatest players in basketball history and admired by so many. He had just retired the previous year and able to have more freedom to live a great life. He was so young – 41 years of age. This is an event that will long be remembered.
But what has gripped my heart is the fragile nature of life. I don’t know if anybody else thought this, but I began to think what would happen if I died like that. What would I want my last Facebook post to read? How would I want to be remembered? What would be my legacy? One day you’re here and the next you’re gone.
Many have made some soul-searching, life-changing adjustments to their life because of Kobe’s death. Some have expressed more love to family members. Some have realized life is too short to hold a grudge. And some have thought about their own mortality.
The ultimate question that I have asked many people throughout my lifetime is so appropriate now.
If you died today, are you 100% sure you would go to Heaven?
Many people don’t believe in Heaven or Hell. That’s their choice. But many believe and hope that death isn’t the end. If there is something next, do you know if you will go to a better place? Most hope they’ll go to Heaven, but few are 100% sure. But God tells us that we can know for sure:
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13).
So, if when you die, and you stand in front of God, and He asks you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?”, what will you say?
Many imagine they will say, “I’ve been a pretty good person.” Or maybe, “I have tried to keep the 10 Commandments.”
Several years ago I made sure of my eternal destination. Here’s the process I went through to know Heaven is my final home. You can do it too. It’s simple as ABC.
A – Admit You are a Sinner.
We’ve all done a lot of wrong things. We think, say, and do things we shouldn’t. The first step is simply to admit to God and agree that we are a sinner.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
B – Believe in Jesus.
The Bible tells us that Jesus was a perfect man because He was God’s Son. He was 100% man and 100% God. As such, when He died, He paid for the sins of all mankind. When He rose from the dead, He provided eternal life. Do you believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead as the Bible says? That’s enough belief to save your soul.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)
C – Commit to Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Belief is good but not enough. There needs to be commitment to Jesus. To commit to Jesus is to surrender your life to Him. In prayer, confess that Jesus is Lord of your life and surrender to Him. Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
If you’re not sure what to say, here’s a sample prayer you can pray to God from your heart. It’s similar to the prayer I said…
Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe you died on the cross to pay for my sin and purchased a place for me in heaven. I receive that gift right now by faith. Lord Jesus come into my heart and be my Lord and my Savior. Amen.
I hope you live a long, healthy life. But as we have witnessed in the news, no one has any guarantee of tomorrow. But if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you know that Heaven is your forever home. If I can help you in any way to help you follow Jesus, please let me know. Nothing is more important than your eternal destiny.
? Your legacy would be the love and investment made in your family. You have left them spiritually rich. Also the impact you have had in lives of those around you for God!!!!!