The case of the Pearly Gates

You may have heard that Ted Turner passed away two days ago. Here’s how Zach Dean of Outkick began his column in honor of Mr. Turner.

Ted Turner — the founder of CNN, a media mogul, a business tycoon, a world-renowned sailor, the creator of the superstation, the former owner of the Atlanta Braves, and a fierce supporter of wet T-shirt contests — died Wednesday at 87.

Whew. How is THAT for a list of accomplishments to take with you to the pearly gates?

That whole statement is so skewed that I don’t know where to start.

Maybe it’s the whole notion of pearly gates: fairy-tale-esque at best, right?

Or the way he assumes pearly gates just naturally await everyone after death. Pretty much everyone gets in, right?

How about the mockery of righteousness that would have God Himself snickering at wet T-shirt contests (and the fleshly passions that are aroused and acted upon)?

Or the assumption that a stellar list of accomplishments will speed your entrance through those pearly gates. Do we think we can “accomplish” our way into heaven? What does that say to God about His Son and the horrendous price He paid to forgive sinners?

Here’s the sobering truth for Mr. Turner, for you, and for me:

• All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23)
• The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23)
• But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)
• And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
• Repent and believe in the gospel. (Mk 1:15)