Letters to Grandma Beth, P4

Today is the last letter of the series. I encourage all of you with lost family members or friends to never give up. Keep on praying. As I wrote these letters, I didn't know if it was a good idea or not. But I knew this, I had to do something. Life doesn't last forever. We have to take advantage of every opportunity to share Christ. Here is Letter 4:

Beth,

Hi, I hope you are doing well. Well, this is the letter I couldn’t wait to write. I remember sitting by your bed when you were in the hospital, talking to you about my vision to have my family with me in heaven. I have made my reservation. I have asked Andy, he has made his reservation. Kim has made her reservation. Today, I hope you will make yours.

We have talked about how much God loves you and desires a relationship with you.

But because of our sin, we have become separated from God.

Yet, God has proven his love for us by sending Jesus to die as payment for our sins. Through Christ, God purchased eternal life for us. So, how do we receive it?

Salvation is a free gift.

I know that it is hard for you to take something from someone. You have always preferred to be the giver instead of the receiver. But if this season of life has taught you anything it’s that there are some problems we can’t solve on our own and sometimes we have to ask for help. You can’t solve your sin problem on your own. God wants to help you.

Ephesians 2:8,9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; It is the gift of God, not of works,Lest anyone should boast.

A gift is not something you work for. If I offer you a dollar but make you wash my van to get it, is that a gift? Of course not! A gift is something that you do not have to work for. God doesn't want us to earn eternal life in heaven, He doesn't want us to beg or plead or try or work for it; He wants to give eternal life to us. Even the best earthly parents love imperfectly but God loves us with a sincere heart. He wants nothing in return, only to share Himself with us.

Christmas has always been such a special holiday in our family. Everyone opening presents and wrapping paper everywhere. The best part of Christmas is seeing a present under the tree with your name on it. It has been purchased. It is meant for you. But when does that gift becomes yours? When you open it and receive it. God has purchased eternal life for us in Christ. It is meant for you. But God’s gift of life doesn’t become yours until you receive it. A gift is not yours because you've heard about it or know about it, or even recognize your need for it. A gift is not yours until you accept it. It's a choice that you must make. In order to receive a gift you have to reach out and take it. If I could make that choice for you I would, but I cannot. You must choose to believe.

Romans 10: 9, 13 - 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. For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
The gift is free and you can receive it today by coming to God in faith. That is the second part: you have to believe that Jesus really is God's Son and that He really did die for your sin. You have to turn from your sin and trust, or believe in Jesus, as the only basis for your forgiveness.

Right now you could receive the gift of eternal life by praying a prayer something like this from your heart.

Dear Father in Heaven:

I know that I am a sinner and deserve eternal punishment. Thank You for loving me enough to send Your Son, Jesus into this world to die as payment for my sin. I repent of my sin and turn to You alone for my forgiveness. I believe that You are the only One who can cleanse my heart and change me. I now receive Jesus as the Savior and Lord of my life. Thank You for coming into my life and forgiving me of all my sin. Thank You for giving me the gift of eternal life and a home in heaven!

In Jesus Name, Amen.


I hope you will make your reservation if you have not done so. I am praying that God’s presence and peace will abound in your heart and lead you home.