Negotiating goes on every day in life.
In some instances, one has to give a little to get a little so that each side is satisfied. The goal in negotiating is to reach an agreement that is fair and equitable to both parties.
It happens at work where an employee may negotiate a raise with their employer. It happens in marriages with issues raising a child(ren), spending limits, where to go and what to do, and so on. It happens when buying a home or car in trying to get the best price. Even in government, where the Trump Administration negotiated tariffs with every country the USA trades with.
However, there are some things we cannot negotiate. One that comes to mind is death. Everyone that is born is at some point is going to die.
The Bible speaks of two places where a person will ultimately go upon their demise.
In Matthew chapter 25, the Bible speaks of those that will go away “into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” and the rest “into eternal life.”
The good news is that God allows us to choose where we want to permanently spend eternity after our life on earth is over.
The way “into eternal life,” to heaven, is something that we cannot negotiate. We either accept or reject it based on God’s terms only.
It requires that we believe in Jesus, the Son of God.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that NOT of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: NOT of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9; the words GIFT and NOT are capitalized for emphasis).
Some believe that we can “work” our way to heaven by doing such things as good works/deeds, going to church meetings, getting baptized, giving our time, talents and monies to charities, and the list goes on.
But, with God, there is no negotiating. It is not acceptable to believe that all the wonderful things you have done in your life will allow you access to eternal life.
The reason is that we are sinners. We are descendants of Adam and Eve who disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit. As a result, every one of us is born with a sin nature.
No one is perfect. “…all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). You might not have committed a crime, but you probably have had a bad thought(s) along the way, or taken God’s name in vain, or even told “white” lies, and things of that nature.
Sin is sin no matter how “big” or “little.”
And so, God cannot allow sinners into heaven without them being made righteous. By believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and embracing Him as our Lord and Savior, we are declared “righteous” in God’s eyes.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).”
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, New International Version).
You see, there is no one else through which we can gain access to God and heaven.
In addition, there is absolutely nothing that we can do that would get us into heaven.
It is all by the mercy and grace of God. All that is required of us is faith.
Look closely at these two verses:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” (Titus 3:5)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
When the Lord Jesus died on the cross, he cried out “Finished!” (John 19:30). The work he came to do to save sinners was complete. He suffered, bled and died for each one of us, so that we may have the opportunity to have eternal life and enter heaven, a place where there “shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
In life, we face deadlines. Projects at work need to be completed, assignments for school, paying the mortgage or rent on time, and so on. When given deadlines, we must act, otherwise, there are consequences.
Well, there is a deadline with putting your faith and trust in Jesus.
God has been patient up to now, “….not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
The Bible says, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27).
The problem we have is we DO NOT know when our appointed time is with death. Do you know? Does anyone know?
A preacher once said, “The old must die, the young may die.”
That is why we need to be prepared because none of us knows the exact moment when we will take our last breath. Are you prepared to meet God when that moment comes?
Why not settle your destiny today before it is too late?
We have seen in the Word of God that we cannot do anything to earn our salvation and entrance to heaven.
This is non-negotiable, meaning the terms cannot be discussed or changed.
You either accept God’s way of salvation or reject it.
God has provided a way for you and me to gain access to heaven.
Please, do not reject this opportunity God has given you today as tomorrow may be too late.
Right this moment, simply pray, admitting to God that you are a sinner and that you want to be saved from eternal punishment in hell and the Lake of Fire. Let Him know that you believe that Jesus died for your sins and want to be in heaven with Him.
Jesus told his disciples, “…because I live, ye shall live also.” (John 14:19)
“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31)