The question is always blunt, direct, personal, and demanding. Once asked, it must be answered. The challenge, once made, requires a response validating your position. The question is not politically correct and the answer offers no public relations subtleties.

"How do you know?" How do you know God is real? How do you know there is a heaven or hell? And maybe the most important question of all, how do you know you're going to heaven?

To answer those "How do you know?" questions, scripture says:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed (1 Peter 3:15-16 NKJV).

This is one of those interesting human dilemmas that we feel trapped by. When we try to explain how we know, there is a fear that others will interrogate us as to why we made such a dreadfully poor decision. Yet look at the words. It says we are to give a reason for our faith. It's not a debate to prove whose reasons are best; it's not a dictate that everyone believes exactly the same on every subject; and it's not collective wisdom. It's why you, personally and individually, believe. How did you come to those conclusions?

How do you know?
When we stand before God Almighty at the final judgment, it will only be you and Jesus who have to answer for you. The opinions, beliefs and choices of others will not be admissible.

So, how DO YOU know? Tell me at bbrant@heraldoftruth.org or join our blog dialogue at hopeforlife.org.

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