If heaven is the goal of an individual, then they must understand that one must follow God’s way.
It seems that some misunderstand God’s promise of eternal life. They of think they can do what they want in the name of religion and it will be acceptable to God.
God has never allowed man to dictate what to do to obey God. In the beginning, God evidently had told Adam’s family what to do in worship, but Cain did not obey. This led to the first murder on earth.
On another occasion, David had determined to move the ark of the covenant. On the journey the ox stumbled, and a man just reached to steady the ark and was struck down dead.
Why one might ask? The ark was not being moved in accordance to God’s instruction, and Uzza was not one of the people who was to touch the ark.
Had God compromised and overlooked what happened, then the people would have continued to disrespect God’s commands.
Even when Christ was on the earth there were those who disrespected God’s law. Notice the words of Jesus: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt.7:21-23).
Later while speaking with “religious people” of his day, he said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9).
By the words of Christ, all will be judged, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (Jno. 12:48).
Man must follow God’s word and not disrespect him or his word. As sure as his promise of eternal life is true, so is his promise of eternal damnation to those who fail to follow him.
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (Jno. 5:28, 29).
In the book of Genesis, God made a promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). The spiritual promise of all families being blessed through Abraham came in the form of Jesus Christ being born in this world, living among men, dying on the cross and being raised up on the third day (Gal. 3:6-29).
By obedience to the gospel of Christ, all men can be saved, that is a promise from God and God cannot lie.
Paul wrote, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior” (Titus 1:2, 3).
God wants all men to be saved, but man must obey God on God’s terms. Do not misunderstand the plain teachings of God’s word. His way is the only way.