Binary

Some things are just binary in nature. A person can't be kind of pregnant, and a person can't be sort of dead. Neither can a person be kind of saved. There is a path to life and a path to destruction, and to be on the path to life we all ultimately need a new heart, which comes from Christ.

Spirituality, religion, moral behavior, good deeds, and so on, will not do it. It's not about how much you pray, how regularly you attend church or read a holy book. It's not about how well you toe the line and follow the rules. It's not about how much money you give to charity or how much time you give to volunteer. It's about a complete transformation from the inside out.

I don't say this from some high horse. I say this as a sinful, rough, and broken person, who was on the path of destruction destined for hell -- despite thinking for years that I was "a good person" who worked hard, took care of my family, and avoided "really bad" things. God in his mercy drew me in, shook me up, and showed me both my sin and my inability to pay for it. It was only then that I cried out to Jesus to save me, at which point he completely changed my heart, my mind, and my life.

So when I say these things, it's not about my way is better than your way. It's not about selling religion or cramming the Bible down down someone's throat. It's about how dire my situation was, and how dire everyone's situation is without turning to the only one who can solve the problem.

Want life? Get Jesus!