A Litmus Test to Enter Heaven?

A Litmus Test to Enter Heaven?

Will there be a litmus test to enter the pearly gates of heaven?  Often, we joke about a cross examination from St. Peter.  Many church members assume they must find the “right” answers during their earthly pilgrimage.  The “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30) and various passages on “Judgment Day” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) indicate God will hold us accountable for stewardship of time, talent, tithe and temperament.

What did you do with the life I gave you?  How did you invest your abilities and gifts into expanding my kingdom?  Those are probably the questions the Lord will ask.  In the “Parable of the Talents,” the Master returns and questions each servant about use of his talents.  He gives three servants five, two and one talent, respectively.  The first two individuals invest their talents and receive a hundred fold return.  Through fear, procrastination and laziness, the third servant essentially squanders his talent; he buries it.  In response, the Master asks, “What happened?”  Why didn’t you use what I gave you in service to humankind?

Similarly, we will to account for our stewardship.  He gives each person a gift; in some instances multiple gifts.  Yet, those talents and abilities lie dormant.  Books remain to be written.  Music has not been composed and recorded.  Art, fine and performing, remain on the level of a good idea.  Cures to diseases and solutions to social, economic and political problems are desperately needed.  More practically, marriages continue to dissolve in record numbers and families fall prey to sequential, generational afflictions of alcoholism, drug addiction, welfare dependency, substandard education and poverty.  Assuredly, God will ask about our use of resources He entrusts to our care.

The passage, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, depicts a brilliant image of divine fire and judgment.  The prism of an eternal perspective and light of God’s countenance are such a fire.  Paul imagines our life’s work being tried in the fire.  Some works resemble wood, hay and straw which cannot withstand the ferocity of heat.  Other works like gold, silver, bronze and other precious metals endure the flames.  God will equally test our use of earthly resources.  The fire will consume self-seeking, hedonism and frenetic fight for riches of the world.  Equally, a wholesale individualist approach to life that disregards the need to share with others will not endure eternity’s flames.  In contrast, works that build God’s kingdom and demonstrate His love will last.  Truth, justice, love, respect, dignity and peace are true eternal riches. 

Thank God He will not give us a theology examination as a requirement for admission to heaven.  Practically speaking, ninety-nine percent (99%) of the Church would fail it anyway!  The one percent who might pass cannot rely upon that possibility.  Ultimately, correct doctrine and dogma will probably amount to very little.  What matters is truth expressing itself in love.

God essentially asks are we willing to share His love with others.  Will we spend a lifetime demonstrating our gratitude for His unfathomable grace and limitless love?  Will we live to God’s honor and glory and in service to humankind?  If we will, we are passing the major theological exam of life.  Jesus says the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  (Matthew 22:34-40)  The entire teachings of the Law and Prophets rest upon these two commandments.  Furthermore, the Johannine evangelist tells us the gospel is essentially a message of love.  In as much as “God is love,” those of us who know “Love,” willingly demonstrate our beliefs by sharing it with others. (1 John 4:7-21).