“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
~Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

One of the strongest opinions I hear when sharing my faith with others centers on the Christian belief that the moment you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you are saved, regardless of the lifestyle you lived up until that point. The thief on the cross next to Jesus at the Crucifixion had no opportunity to change his lifestyle. He recognized Jesus for Who He is and Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NLT)

Heaven is not a reward for good behavior nor is hell punishment for people who behave badly. Our…