e go on, day by day; some of us loafing, some doing Important Work, some just getting by. At last, comes the end. What then?

It would be nice to think that, when we die...well, we've been good enough, so we'll go to Heaven.

But that isn't the case.

"For all have sinned," says Romans 3:23, "and fall short of the glory of God." All, meaning me, and you; everyone. Because we have fallen short, we are to be condemned to an eternal death in a land "...of blazing pitch. It will not be quenched night and day; its smoke will rise forever." (Isaiah 34:9b & 10a) Not one of us can ever be good enough to escape this fate on our own, no matter how desperatly we try.

ut... (Isn't that a wonderful word?) Though we fall so short of perfection, God cares about what happens to us. We're not worthy of His notice, and yet He cares for us so deeply that it pains Him that we should be separated from Him. Indeed, He cares so much for His Creation (which includes us) that He even watches over the sparrows. "...And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered....you are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:6 & 7b)

We are so precious to God that He, longing to make a way for us to be freed of our punishment and return to Him, sent His Son Jesus Christ, a part of Himself, to live for a time on Earth, as we live. Jesus faced the same temptations we face. The difference was, He didn't sin. (Matthew 4:1-11) Instead Jesus, being wholly innocent, died for our sins. "...He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5a)

His death wasn't the end. Three days after Jesus' crucifixion, God declared his power over death by raising Jesus from the dead, so that we, by believing in Jesus, shall not face an eternal death, but instead, an eternal life with Him in Paradise. (John 3:16)

Pretty wonderful, isn't it?

esus himself said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6). So how do we come? Romans 10:9-10 tells us: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

This is what I believe. I thank you for taking the time to read my witness. I pray it will be of help.

  — Carrie Gerringer