Hello, is this God?
Speaking.
Em…em, won’t You ask who is on the line?
I know already.
I guess You would. But won’t You ask why I’m calling?
Go ahead and tell Me.
Well, I have a complaint about some people who claim to be Your children.
I’m listening.
They always tell me that I would end up in hell should I continue to live my life the way I live it right now. Are they right?
You be the judge.
No, no; I want YOU to tell me.
What do they say is wrong with the way you live?
One of them said I indulge in religion and self-righteousness.
Is that true?
I don’t know what he means. All I know is that my parents were Christians. I was born a Christian. I attend church regularly. And people generally describe me as decent, trustworthy and responsible. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink excessively. I am a one-woman man. In short, moderation is my watchword. In addition, I am kind and generous.
All your righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
But I have a Christian name! I did baptism. I don’t just pay my tithes, I pay more! God, don’t all these count for something?
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12).
Don’t tell me You have no pleasure in all this. Because if You don’t, how come I enjoy good health? Why am I well-placed and well-respected in the society? How come I run a successful career and a good business and why am I a rich man? If You were not happy with my way of life, why do You bless me with all these good things and more?
My blessings rest on both the good and the evil (Matthew 5:45).
Meaning what? That my being blessed does not translate to my being in Your good books?
Right.
I must say I am confused. The way human society functions –good gets rewarded and evil gets punished.
Oh!
Em…em. But isn’t that how it is supposed to be?
Supposed to….
Ok, I agree that things don’t usually work that way. But why would a righteous God bless an unrighteous man?
I even do more than that, I offer him My Best.
Your Best?
Remember John 3:16? For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Yes, but what about the horde of people who don’t accept those words –Moslems, Jews, Traditional Worshippers, Atheists? Many of them are quite decent people like me, leading good lives and obeying Your Ten Commandments. What about them? Surely, they can escape hell and get to You in heaven the way they choose, and through being good and righteous?
What does your Bible say in John 14:6?
Let me get my Bible; here we are: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”
Acts 4. What do verses 10 to 12 say about Jesus?
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Clear enough?
Very much so. But should we take these words at face level?
No other way.
No other way?
None.
I know just what to do now. Forgive me my sins, O God. I invite Jesus into my life as my Lord and Saviour. Will You accept me in Jesus name?
Of course!
Thank You, God.
My pleasure.
Good night, Father.
Good night, My child.
FROM THE BOOK, HELLO, IS THIS GOD SPEAKING? BY FELIX OBOAGWINA