The Plumbline

  Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede  and  intervene on their behalf [with God]. (Hebrews 7:25 Amplified Bible) Able to save - not imperfectly, but perfectly. Salvation is a one-time event with a lifetime provision for our 'sanctification', which is just a big word that means to be made right, living right, with provision to make right choices in a consistent manner. Our salvation differs from our sanctification - one is instant, while the other takes a lifetime of renewed commitment and obedience to what God asks. We come to God through Jesus - there is no other way. While we'd like to think there are other ways 'into heaven', there aren't. Many will try the route of good works, believing that when they do good often enough, they are generally good people so God will let them pass those pearly gates. Some will try the route of 'other religions...

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15) Mathematician Rene Descartes said, "It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well." I would have to add, "It is not enough to have a good heart; the main thing is to use it to serve your God and King, Jesus Christ." There is always a choice in serving the Lord, but it is the commitment that comes along with that choice that seems to give so many an issue. Humility, love, selflessness are all character traits of the one who has chosen to serve Jesus. Do these things come naturally to the one who serves? No, they are ongoing active choices to draw closer, learn at his feet, and then do as he says. Stewardship is always best when it stems from a heart that is willing to serve, no matter the cost. There are all kinds of options to give of oneself, some requiring little to no sacrifice at all, while ot...