OceanSide church of Christ

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Hindrances To Heaven

By Wayne Rodgers

The Ethiopian eunuch asked, “what hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36).  The Apostle Paul said he would “suffer all things,” lest he should “hinder the Gospel of Christ” (I Cor. 9:12).  He also asked the Galatians, “who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Gal 5:7).

There are many obstacles Satan can employ to keep us from obeying the Gospel, to hinder our spiritual progress, and to ultimately prevent us from entering heaven.  Permit me to be so bold as to ask, “What hindrance keeps you from doing what the Bible teaches?”  What is keeping you from obeying the Gospel?  What obstacles are still blocking your way to heaven?  What is blocking your being with God, through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)?

Some are unwilling to admit their sin and their need for a Savior.  However, the Bible says, If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:10).  It also says that none will be saved except by obedient faith in Jesus (John 8:24; 14:6, 15).  Others are unwilling to give up a worldly lifestyle, even though it will cost them their soul’s salvation, and lead to eternal doom (Mark 8:36).  Pride is the downfall of some, as they refuse to repent of their sins, even though Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).  Still others are hindered by “peer pressure” from confessing their need for salvation, and obeying Christ as their only Savior.  John reported that many of the chief rulers believed in Christ, but would not confess him, because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43).

Finally, many are hindered from obeying Christ, because they’re unconvinced of the necessity of doing exactly what He said to have their sins forgiven.  Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).  Baptism has become a stumbling-block to many, because false teachers have convinced them Jesus was confused when He said baptism was an absolute prerequisite for entering God’s kingdom (John 3:5).  So, “what hinders you from being baptized?” “Why do you tarry? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord!” (Acts 22:16).