I recently read a news article that reported a terminally ill 5 year old boy died in a Santa Claus' arms. It was truly a tragic and heart wrenching story. Five year olds just should not die! As the story was told, the Santa was asked to visit this young boy and took a gift to him. When the boy received the gift he asked the Santa, "How will I know when I get where I am going when I die?" The Santa's answer to the boy was that it will be OK he was "Santa's Number One elf" and they would let him in. The boy passed into eternity.
The human being in me gushed and felt warm and fuzzy. The pastor in me bristled and felt terribly sad. Not for the boy, but for the rest of the people who actually believed his statement to hold some truth.
I am well versed in the biblical doctrine that speaks to the "age of accountability" and the idea that there are countless millions who are safe in the arms of a loving Savior that never really understood faith, repentance, atonement, propitiation, redemption, forgiveness, etc. At the age of five years old I am sure many children have not reached the ability to comprehend these doctrines and truths. I am not so much sad for the young boy as I am for the millions who may have read that story and been misled into believing that they too can be "OK" if they believe in some such mythical magical story.
One of the myths many people believe is that there are many roads that lead to heaven. Jesus clearly set the record straight when he said -
"I am the way, the truth, the light. No man cometh to the Father but by me." John 14:6
The Bible also says -
"There is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus." - 1 Tim 2:5
"There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12
The truth is very clearly taught in Scripture: There is only one way to know for sure you will be "OK" when its your time to die. Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Believe that he died for your sins and that he will grant you forgiveness and redemption. Knowing this is the greatest gift you can receive this Christmas.
