No Plan B

We are all familiar with the idea that if things do not work out as we originally planned, then we go to Plan B.

Plan B is our backup when Plan A goes awry. Plan B is not what we hoped to do, but when Plan A fails, we have another way to accomplish our goals. Plan B is not our first choice, but it is the choice we make when our first choice is not available.

In matters of schedule, finances and any number of other things, we like having a Plan B, and frankly, we recommend that such contingency plans be considered early and often.

However, there is one exception to this recommendation. That exception is the whole realm of eternal issues. Here are five things you need to know and understand about eternal issues.

I. No Other Authoritative Source

The Bible is the inspired Word of God (II Tim. 3:16). It is, therefore, the only reliable, trustworthy and authoritative source of information on eternity.

Because God is the eternal God, we can turn to His Word and trust whatever it tells us.

Anything and everything else you read must base its content on what the Bible says. Other sources must be built upon Bible truth, or they simply cannot be taken seriously.

II. No Other God

There is no other God, that is to say, there is no Plan B. When it comes to who is and who is not God, there is only one real God. Everything else and everybody else who pretends to be God is just that—pretense.

God, Who is actually God, is the One Who created the world. He is the One Who sustains the functioning of our world.

“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”—Col. 1:17.

He is the One Who sent His Son to make an atonement for our sins and purchase salvation for us.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16.

III. No Other Saviour

When Jesus died on the cross and arose from the grave, He paid our sin debt and purchased salvation for us (I Cor. 15:3–4). What He did, no other could do. Consequently, we understand that He is not just a Saviour; He is the Saviour. There is no one else who can save from sin and get us to Heaven one day.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”—Acts 4:12.

IV. No Other Salvation

The Bible is very clear on this. There is only one Gospel and, therefore, only one way of salvation.

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”—Gal. 1:6–9.

V. No Other Plan

The God-given plan for receiving salvation is the only way to be saved. You can’t buy it, and you can’t earn it. The Bible says, “…it is the gift of God, not of works…” (Eph. 2:8–9).

When the Philippian jailer asked about being saved, he was told to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:30, 31). God graciously gives it when we put our faith in Him (Eph. 2:8). This is the plan, the only plan.

VI. No Other Escape

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”—Heb. 2:3.

The fact is—Hell is a real place, as is Heaven. If you want to escape Hell and go to Heaven, you cannot do either one through some scheme of man. God’s plan of salvation is absolutely your one and only hope of escaping Hell and arriving in Heaven, safe and sound.

VII. No Other Lifestyle

“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”—Titus 2:12.

Although we can never be saved by our works, when we are saved, the Lord intends to lead us in developing a Christian lifestyle (Titus 3:5; Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:10). We are taught that “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned…” (Titus 2:7–8). So, yes, we work, but it is not an effort to get saved. It is because we are saved, and we intend to please the Lord.

So, there is one obvious conclusion here. When it comes to these great eternal issues, there is only one way to address them. There is no Plan B. We must get in line with the Lord and embrace His way. Otherwise, we are in big trouble. I say it again, folks; there is no Plan B.