1

Well, St. Peter, I’ll bet you are glad to see me.  I know our Lord has been waiting anxiously.  There is so much I accomplished, and I could still do more to advance the kingdom on earth.  But, I guess  I’ve done enough because here I am.

What did you say your name is again?  I don’t seem to find it listed in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Oh, now that’s hilarious.  I know it’s there.  My evangelistic ministry was recognized and acclaimed worldwide.

I see, and that many heard the word and believed as a result of your ministry is much appreciated, but why exactly do you expect to enter heaven’s gate.

Isn’t it obvious?  I did so much for Jesus.  I deserve my eternal reward.

That makes perfect logical sense.  I bet you are very pleased that so many came to hear you preach.  You most likely have been  honored by many other ministers and academics.

Yes,  A multitude of banquets acknowledging my achievements and quite a few honorary degrees granted too.  

I bet these made you feel especially good about your life..

You better believe it. You should see the memorabilia I collected.  The church is even dedicating a room in my honor to display it all publicly.

And there, you have your reward. 

2

And the reason you expected to enter?

My whole family - from many generations - are all in heaven.  They were all good church people.  Every last one of them.  Our family, in fact, built our local church, and I’ve attended it regularly from the time I was born.  I was baptized in that church, so I know my name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

I didn’t see it, but I’ll certainly look again.  If what you say is true, surely it’s there.  You say you were baptized?  Tell me a little more about that.

Oh, that was in 8th grade.  Our church has a weekly confirmation class for kids in that grade.   At the end of the classes we are all baptized.

Interesting.  How did that feel?

Wet.

No what were you feeling inside during and immediately after the baptism.

Oh, okay, I guess.  All the confirmation class members’ families went out together for a huge feast afterward.  Got a lot of gifts and money.  The food was good.  It was fun.  

So you didn’t feel changed in any way?

What do you mean?

A burden lifted off your soul; or a longing to know Jesus more and more.

That’s important?  Our family, our church, doesn’t really go for that sappy emotional stuff.   We just study the scriptures and try to obey.  

Sorry, your name is not listed.   Actually I can’t find your other family members either.

  

3

Why the long face?

Well, if the two people in front of me couldn’t enter through the Holy gates with their achievements and pedigrees I don’t stand a chance.  My life has been nothing but heartache, failures, and shame.

I’ll double-check.  Isn’t this your name?

But all the time I spent pursuing pleasure, living for self, ignoring the cries and needs of others.  I can’t deserve heaven.

In other words, loving the world’s ways and living in worldly sin.

I was such a wretched sinner.  Embracing the darkness and even hating the light.

Your name is definitely here in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Mistakes are never made.

Even with all my sins?

No mention of sin.  But it does give the date and time your name was entered.  Here, take a look.  Anything significant you can remember about that particular time in your life?

My life was such a total wreck that day.  I had discovered those I thought my true friends only cared about satisfying their own desires and were merely using me.  My family had cast me out.  I can’t say I blame them. To add to my misery that same day I lost my job. I really had no where to go - no one to turn to.   I was walking aimlessly down an empty street, feeling sorry for myself, lost and so afraid, and so alone.   I saw a church door open.  I ran in and threw myself at the foot of a cross byside  the altar.  Jesus, I begged, I can’t do anything right.  If you hear me, Lord. take my pitiful life and cast it far away from me, and give me a new life.  I am so sorry. I have so totally screwed up doing things my own way.  Forgive me. Teach me how to love you, Jesus, to trust you, abide in you alone, and follow in your ways. I want to change. I want to serve you.

Enter in.  Your Savior awaits.