“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36

During an interview last week, President Trump spoke extensively about trying to end the bloodshed between Russia and Ukraine. I sensed urgency in his voice as he shared the countless hours that he has spent trying bring peace between the two countries.

I heard the President say some words that immediately caught my attention when he said, “I want to try and get to heaven, if possible...I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”

Isn't it refreshing to hear a president express such a desire. What a blessing to have a leader who thinks about eternity and wants to do good with the time he has on this earth.

But the hard truth is that no matter who you are in this world, all of us face the thought of how to get to heaven. The Bible tells us that we are all going to die one day and at that moment everyone’s eternity is decided. The Bible teaches us that death is no respecter of persons regardless of power or position.

There are some who say, “all roads lead to heaven”, and then there are others who say, “works are your way to heaven.” This is obviously the belief that President Trump embraces.

The Bible teaches that the greatest war was fought and won by Jesus Christ as He died on the cross. The greatest peace treaty was signed by Jesus Christ using His own blood that was shed for us! No earthly peace treaty can come close to the magnificent eternal peace secured for all humanity by the Savior of the world!

I understand that countless people over the ages have believed in a “works-based salvation.” But the very best news is that the Bible shows us a grace-based salvation.

I would like to share with the President and anyone who will listen that there is no totem pole to climb in order to earn your place in heaven. Salvation is not like horseshoes – whoever is closest gets in. Get this, our close will never be close enough. Salvation is all about having a righteous relationship with the righteous Redeemer, Jesus Christ. As I said on Sunday night, "Religion without relationship is as valuable as a $3 bill. But a relational religion found in Jesus Christ is more valuable than all the gold in all the vaults in all the world."

“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.” Romans 10:9

The very best news for all of us is that we don’t have to bear the burden of being good enough or doing enough to earn salvation. Thank God that we don’t have to worry, wonder or work to qualify for our own eternal reward. Instead, we need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and turn our lives from our sinful ways - this is called repentance.

This is so refreshing because the moment anyone places their faith in Christ and in His death on the cross, salvation is guaranteed for whosoever believes - even a sinner like President Trump!

God bless you,

Pastor Dave