During an interview recently on “Fox & Friends,” President Donald Trump spoke extensively about his commitment to try and end the protracted bloodshed in eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine.
Clearly burdened by the senseless loss of life on both sides, Mr. Trump then revealed, with something of a smile in his voice, what also might be behind his willingness to devote countless hours, energy and resources to his peacemaking overture.
“I want to try and get to Heaven, if possible,” he explained. “I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to Heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”
I don’t believe that President Trump was revealing thoughts or concerns about the status of his looming mortality. Instead, he was expressing what countless other people, including many who profess belief in God, think about the pathway to Heaven.
Jason Williams of North Carolina Faith and Freedom observed: “It’s genuinely refreshing to hear a president express such a desire. What a blessing to have a leader who acknowledges eternity and wants to do something good with the time he has on Earth.”
Over the years, President Trump has been a faithful friend to the Christian community. He has stood boldly for life, defended our religious liberty, and championed policies that reflect our Biblical values.
But I would be derelict in my spiritual duty if I didn’t point out that the president is mistaken on this subject, and, truthfully, so are many people.
We can all appreciate Mr. Trump’s reasoning, especially given what the world often seems to preach about — what we would call a “works-based salvation” philosophy. But the very best news is that the New Testament holds an opposite and much more liberating perspective.
As a Christian, there is no totem pole to climb. You can’t earn your way to the “Pearly Gates.” It’s not horseshoes or nuclear bombs. Close isn’t close enough. It’s all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Scriptures couldn’t be clearer:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5).
“A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28).
“By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16).
“All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
“That I may… be found in him, not having mine own righteousness… but that which is through the faith of Christ” (Philippians 3:9).
The president carries enormous burdens as both chief executive and commander-in-chief. The very best news for Trump, and everyone else for that matter, is that they don’t have to bear the added burden of being good enough or doing enough to earn the gift of eternal life. Incidentally, since we don’t know what’s in a person’s heart, and who may have confessed their sins and accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, I think we’re going to be surprised by some who we meet in Heaven.
Yet, we don’t have to worry, wonder or work to qualify for our own eternal reward. Instead, we need to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, repent, turn from our sinful ways, and put our faith and trust in Him.
That is all. That is enough.