How to attain paradise?
Waluta (not real name) believes he will be saved by grace. Adding that no matter how bad his sins are, God cannot destroy or punish what He (God) made in his own image. He told a friend, Mkhwiza (not real name).
Mkhwiza shared the same idea with Waluta, bringing in the issue of the two criminals who were hanged together with Jesus on the cross.
“That one did not repent. He lived his life of killing, but Jesus promised that criminal paradise right away. We can do anything God is going to save us,” added Mkhwiza.
“We are getting what we deserve for what we did; but He has done no wrong.” And he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as king.”
Jesus said to him, “I promise you that today you will be in paradise with me.” (Good News Bible) Luke 23 reads in part.
But in John 3:3, “Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: No one can see the kingdom of God without being born again.” Grace or righteousness? The way to paradise.
Thundu CCAP moderator reverend Macdonald Khuzeya said to be saved by grace does not grant us a sinful life but to repent and comply with what the Lord needs.
“You do not have to base [salvation] on a verse, read the chapter check for references and clarifications from the Bible. Ask guidance for a deeper understanding of God’s word. Those thinking in that line they just seek liberty to live a life full of evil deeds,” said Khuzeya.
Addressing the issues of criminals on the cross, Khuzeya said that the criminal who was crucified on Jesus’ right hand repented;hence, he was saved.
“He had confident that Jesus is Lord and trusted Him. Do not be deceived that was a sign of remorse. God noted that.
“We are saved by grace but mind you God is not pleased with sinners’ death (Ezekiel 33:11). God is going to punish all sinners. That is what God told John in the book of Revelation [21:6-8],” said Khuzeya.
Gift Ndalama, a Bangwe Township resident in Blantyre, said man on the cross did what Romans 10:12 say.
“The grace of that man cannot be everybody’s. We have to repent and live according to God’s will,” said Ndalama.
New Life for All Ministry team leader at Claim building in Blantyre, Edward Kamungu said those sinning and thinking of grace, hell is their destiny.
“We will be judged for our deeds. That is if you sin, you attain hell and if you are right on God’s presence heaven is where you belong.
“That criminal on the cross repented. According to the Bible, Romans 10, it is by confession that we are saved. That man confessed and was saved. We are God’s ambassadors and we have to portray righteous life on earth. Please do not tolerate sin,” concludes Kamungu.n
