EVA:Missing Heaven by 18 Inches  by Paul W. Empet

   Does this title startle you? How can anyone get so close and yet in
the end hear the Lord say, "I never knew you: depart from me"? (1)

   However, this will be the terrible result of many in our churches
today who are professing Christians, often with responsible positions,
but who have had only a 'head' acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tragically enough, even teachers, preachers and religious workers are
not exempt from the possibility of this chilling indictment.

   The distance between the head and the heart is 18 inches.
Unfortunately, a 'head' (intellectual) knowledge of the Lord Jesus
Christ, fully knowing and giving mental assent to the plan of
salvation, without also a 'heart' acceptance that brings the personal
relationship that the Bible demands, avails nothing to any man.

   Listen to Paul's heart cry concerning Israel as he spoke under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit, "For I bear them record that they have a
zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." (2) He was speaking about
misdirected efforts, energies expended in the strength of the flesh but
not under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The lack of power today in
many of our churches as well as the lack of power today in the lives of
many professing Christians can be laid directly to this.

   It is only as we see ourselves in the mirror of God's Word as
without excuse and without hope, utterly lost and undone, that the
truth of the Scriptures convicts us, for the Bible clearly reveals that
this is how God sees man. (3)

   Then, when the glorious truth of the gospel brings us to recognition
of our own sinfulness, and in true repentance we cry out to God asking
forgiveness and help, asking Him to come into our 'hearts', not our
heads, we experience the new birth.

   Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me." (4)

   The Bible also tells us that "He that hath the Son hath <eternal>
life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life," (5)

   Furthermore, the Bible promises "That if thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath
raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the 'heart' man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation." (6)

   Christ wants your 'heart', not just your head because "The Lord
seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but
the Lord looketh on the heart." (7)

   It is vitally important that you make sure it is not just head
knowledge and mental assent you have given to Jesus Christ. He needs
the complete surrender of your heart and life so that you may be truly
born again.

   Eighteen inches can mean an eternity with Christ or an eternity
without Christ. Are you sure of your personal relationship to Him? Why
not settle the question in your heart once and for all right now?

   Paul W. Empet

   Bible References: (1) Matthew 7:23; (2) Romans 10:2; (3) Romans
3:10-18, 21-23; (4)John 14:5; (5)John 5:12; (6)Romans 10:9-10; (7) 1
Samuel 16:7.
