“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, THERE YOU MAY BE ALSO.” (John 14:2-3) Notice Jesus says “there you MAY be…” not “there you will be”
How can we be sure we are ready? Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, UNLESS ONE IS BORN AGAIN, he cannot see THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” (John 3:3) “Do not marvel (thaumazō: to wonder at) that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:7) Paul explains it like this AMY, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corin. 5:17) Peter explains it this way, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has BEGOTTEN US AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Are there things we should do or not do to make sure we are ready? “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone LOVES (agapaō: to love unconditionally and sacrificially as God Himself loves sinful men) THE WORLD, the love of the Father IS NOT IN HIM. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17) We can love God or people with agapaō love but we cannot love “things” with agapaō love because that would be IDOLATRY. “Blessed are those WHO DO GOD’S COMMANDMENTS, that they may have the right to the TREE OF LIFE, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and IDOLATERS, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” (Rev. 22:14-15)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham