Let Him In Anyway

 A recent song by Blake Shelton tells the story of a man pleading with God to let his deceased friend into heaven anyway. I’m guessing the songwriter believed his friend didn’t always live up to his potential. As I read the comments people made about the song, I noticed that nine out of ten people seemed to wonder whether their loved ones had made the cut.

My initial reaction is to shake my head, but that response comes from the privilege of having a strong biblical foundation. Even so, I admit that I sometimes wonder whether my own loved ones will be in heaven when I get there. Still, I am amazed by how many people believe they must be good enough to earn their way into heaven. Books, movies, and television shows often reinforce this mistaken belief.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Verse after verse in Scripture tells us that salvation is a gift, not something to be earned. The Bible tells us that all our righteousness is like filthy rags before God. Let’s put it another way: all of Billy Graham’s righteousness was like filthy rags before God. Does that mean Billy Graham didn’t make it to heaven? Absolutely not. But it does mean that all the amazing things Dr. Graham accomplished on earth did not earn him a ticket to heaven. He is in heaven because of God’s grace, and I’m quite certain he would tell you the same thing.

God made it simple.

Believe God.

Believe that He is who He says He is.

Believe that even Billy Graham needed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to save him.

Believe that Christ’s sacrifice is enough for anyone who recognizes their need for forgiveness.

Jesus loves us even when we are belligerent, selfish, or cruel. He washed us with His own blood and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. Our choice is simple—believe or reject that gift. And only God truly knows our hearts.

Hear this:

God is loving and gave His Son for us. He is not looking for technicalities to keep people out of heaven.

How can you be sure?

Get to know Him.

Talk to Him.

Read about Him.

Learn His heart.

You will see.

And don’t forget the verse that follows the most famous verse in the Bible.

John 3:16-17 (NIV)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

If you lost a loved one who didn’t live up to the standard you believe is required to enter heaven, maybe it’s time to rethink your views on salvation—and on God. None of us could ever get in on our own merit. It is only through God’s grace, received by humble faith.

So, to answer Blake Shelton’s request: Of course He will let him in anyway—if his friend placed his faith in Christ. The good news of the gospel is that heaven is not reserved for people who are good enough. If it were, none of us would qualify. It is a gift of grace given to those who trust in Jesus.

We all have doubts and questions when a loved one passes away. We wonder if they believed. We replay conversations and wish we knew more. But perhaps those moments are a reminder to turn from faithless worry and choose faithful trust in Christ’s incredible rescue. Our hope is not in the goodness of the one who died, but in the goodness of the Savior who died for them.

Because of Jesus, we can rejoice that salvation is not earned—it is received. And all who call upon His name are welcomed home.

Psalm 130:1-4 NIV

Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.