The Currency of Heaven

You'd be surprised how many people email me with theological questions and personal problems. Some are signed, and others come anonymously through an online forum that refers questions to me. A couple of weeks ago, I received a really thoughtful inquiry. The writer raised an excellent question about the validity of faith, but he did it very respectfully. Here's the anonymous question:

"Hi. I apologize in advance as you may find this offensive. I don't wish to offend you but I have a serious issue with the way I think the Christian message has been portrayed and I was hoping that you could answer my concern.

"My issue is with the concept of heaven. It would be best illustrated with an example, so imagine three people. My apologies for such an extreme couple of examples but I think it illustrates the point better to have such extremes: Mr A is a very evil man. A serial killer or similar who never accepts God and as such on death is sent to hell. Mr B is also such an evil person. On his death bed he accepts God, and by my understanding his asking for forgiveness and acceptance of God means that he could go to heaven. Mr C is a good person. He does work for charity, helps others and acts in a kind, considerate manner. However he does not believe in God. Since quote "the only way to heaven is through me (i.e. Jesus)", he would also be condemned to hell.

"My issue is that a supposedly kind and loving God would treat Mr C the same way as Mr A, simply for not believing in him. This seems to me as vanity on God's part (please forgive me for saying so, but this is what I have the issue with), as it seems that God would ignore everything except whether He was worshipped. Please could you explain how my perception of God differs from the loving and caring God which I would like to know? Thanks."

Many of us have friends and co-workers who have expressed similar concerns over the years. With that in mind, I thought you might enjoy my response:

Dear Friend,

You've raised a good question. I'm happy to try and help you with some perspective here. Your problem is that you are comparing degrees of failure. That is, you are comparing serial killers with moral atheists. In terms of morality, there is no doubt that a charitable atheist is preferable to a serial killer. But morality is not the currency of Heaven.

Imagine three men who leap from a burning ship that is sinking 7 miles from the shoreline. The first man, an Olympic Swimmer, makes it 5 miles before drowning in exhaustion. The second man, an athletic type, covers 2 miles before he drowns. The third man, obese and out of shape, goes down 1/4 mile from the boat. Who swam farther is really not the relevant question. All of them were inadequate for the task and ultimately failed.

Scripture explains that the "sin" problem afflicting all human beings is not that we are immoral. It is that we have rejected the Creator God and are completely estranged from him. Hence, the solution is not morality but reconciliation. How can we be at peace with Him again?

God made the standard for reconcilation as simple as possible: faith in His Son, the Christ. If he'd set a financial standard, many would be unable to afford it. If the standard had been bloodline or accomplishments, many would find the bar much too high. But when God decreed that childlike faith, even the size of a mustard seed, will bring us peace with Him through Christ, he set a standard that any human being can fulfill. And in response to simple faith, God grants us all the righteousness we will ever need to live in his presence.

For the biblical promises that support these comments, you can read Romans 4-5. This is the basis for our confidence that God is not only just, but loving and merciful. I hope this helps you along in your journey to faith.