There’s only one truth and one way to heaven: through Jesus Christ alone.
This is the message that Pastor Mark Driscoll recently shared, and while it may seem like the simplest, most basic part of the Christian faith, it’s a reality that so many have ignored.
“You can have your parents baptize you as a baby in the church. You can grow up going to youth group in the church. You can serve in the church, you can sing songs in the church, you can tithe to the church … and go to hell,” Driscoll says.
Driscoll’s message on Hebrews four was a call for Christians to look past their religious activity and examine the true condition of their heart posture toward the Lord.
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“These are people that spent 40 years going to church and not going to heaven,” he said, referring to the Israelites in the wilderness. “They had something that today we would call portable church … it was called the Tabernacle … and they would worship and they would have church.”
Despite decades of worship, prayers and rituals, many never entered the Promised Land.
“Some had faith, and some faked their faith,” Pastor Mark said.
He delivered the strongest warnings for church leaders and lifelong churchgoers alike.
“Hell will be filled with pastors. Hell will be filled with Bible college and seminary professors. Hell will have an entire neighborhood for bishops, and board members will get cuts in the line to hell,” he said. “You were in church, but not in Christ. You did religious things, but you never repented of your wrongdoing.”
Referencing Hebrews 4:1, Pastor Mark said one of the primary reasons many miss heaven is a lack of reverence.
“They do not ‘fear God,’” he said. “All of a sudden God becomes a life coach or a motivational speaker or a self-esteem consultant … I take the hard parts of the Bible and I ignore them.”
The result, he warned, is “excuses and entitlement.”
“Well, this is my life, my background, my trauma, my personality … all of which may be true but are not valid,” he said.
“Church doesn’t save. Only Jesus Christ saves.”
Pastor Mark urged listeners not to deflect the message onto others but to examine themselves.
“As you’re hearing this sermon, some of you will start thinking of other people. Think of self first. Amen?” he said.
“There is no rest unless you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”
Driscoll’s message serves as a bold reminder: being in church doesn’t guarantee being in Christ. It’s not enough to simply go through the motions—singing songs, tithing or even serving in ministry. Only a personal, surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ brings salvation.
The question isn’t about your church resume; it’s about your heart. Are you in Christ, or are you just in church? Take a moment to examine yourself, and remember that true peace and rest come only when Jesus is your Savior and Lord. This is a call to make sure your faith is genuine before it’s too late.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
