I am looking at the list in my prayer journal of dear people who I love but do not think are following Jesus. I know – how arrogant of me – but not so fast. Last night I watched a very lengthy description of the various incarnations (versions) of the Bible. I know the Bible is the inspired word of God. I now understand that paraphrased versions are not for study but maybe comprehension for new believers. I looked at the front of the New American Standard Bible I have been using for my devotional time because my Mother used it and has made copious notes. It is genuinely fun to see what spoke to her during that season. The fourfold aim of the Lockman Foundation makes these promises. 1) These publications shall be true to the original Hebrew and Greek. 2) They shall be grammatically correct. 3) They shall be understandable to the masses. And 4) They shall give the Lord Jesus Christ His proper place, the place which the Word gives Him; no work will ever be personalized. Well I like that and it gives me the boldness to say that my friends who are not following Jesus will not be in Heaven. God decides so don’t be mad because I am leaning on the text. Knowing who Jesus is, is just not enough. What are the signs of following Jesus? Read about the early church in the new testament for some possible answers. Some good guesses are the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, fellowshipping (church), praying, studying, and more stuff like that. As I look at these names on Big Blue (ask me sometime) or in my journal I am frustrated. Will there be search and rescue in Heaven? Are there secret Christians who I do not need to be aware of? When I get to Heaven will I be dashing about, after meeting Jesus and those near and dear, looking for my friends? Will I? Or will I be so changed that I no longer struggle and strive, wanting what God wants and what God can do with or without me?
