“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

“And the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house;  and it fell not:  for it was founded upon a rock.” Matthew 7:25

“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

“And the publican standing afar off, would not lift so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased;  and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14

On Christmas Day, 800 AD, Charlemagne was crowned as conqueror and first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, an empire that endured a millennium uniting and ruling over all the peoples of Europe.  Never a more powerful influential King and ruler lived after Christ than Charlemagne.

When Charlemagne died, all the leaders and magistrates of Europe gathered for his funeral.  At one point in the funeral oration, the Pastor boldly proclaimed the Gospel by calling the listener to imagine the great Charlemagne immediately after his death, standing before the Gates of Glory seeking entrance to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. A voice came from God’s Throne, “Who is this seeking entrance to My Heavenly Kingdom?”  The answer came, “Charlemagne, the great King, Monarch over all of Europe and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.”  God thundered back, “Him I do not know.”  Again the voice cried, “Who is this seeking entrance?”  The standing soul says, “Charles the warrior and conqueror of all nations.”  “Him I do not know.”  Again the Lord asked, “Who is this seeking entrance to My Heaven?”  “Charles the Good, benevolent King over his people, gentle Ruler for their good.”  “Him I do not know,” came the response from Heaven.  

“Who is this seeking entrance to My Heavenly Kingdom?”  

The suppliant answered, “Charles, the repentant sinner, saved by the grace of God, seeking refuge in Jesus Christ.”  “Him I know.  Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

So, my friend God does not accept the person of any man.  All the ground at the foot of the Cross is level. Heaven is the City of Grace where we all meet as family in God’s House, honoring, loving, and serving our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.  This attitude of humble submission characterizes all our words, thoughts, and actions this very day all the way to our entrance into His Heavenly Kingdom.  We are to be “clothed with humility” (I Peter 5:5)  Humility is the doorway to grace.  Only the humble soul enters the heavenly Kingdom because only the humble ask for grace.  Amen and Amen.