It's not easy to go to Hell in the United States

You have to fight, and claw your way past the constant bombardment providing the many opportunities to get into the grace of God.  If you will just read so-and-so's book, or listen to what's-his-name's tape, or just be somewhere at a specific time while they pray for you then everything will be ok.  You can also dwell in God's grace, if you will send in a small donation, or call in to pledge your support.  If you will only do as that TV guy says, then God will answer your prayers and give you the desires of your heart.

But then... maybe my premise is wrong.  Perhaps it's very easy to go to Hell in the United States.  I know it's the opposite, but sometimes thought works that way.  On second thought, or is this the third... perhaps it isn't thought at all, maybe it's the Holy Spirit helping me to understand things better, and that's why I'm debating my own conclusions.  Maybe it's the realization that Jesus already answered this question in the Bible, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14

Ok, I've decided now, “It's easy to go to Hell in the United States”.  Many people here think, because their parents were Christians, and they went to church, or because they themselves are going to church, or will one day start going to church, or because they're basically good people, then they are not going to Hell, and therefore they have deluded themselves into thinking that Heaven is a no-brainer, requiring no thought.  After all, it's obvious that they (being a son or daughter of such a good mother of father who went to church), should not perish but have everlasting life.

If you think that way you are doomed.  In Romans, Paul explained the way to get into Heaven.

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

End of discussion.

When it comes to securing your place in Heaven, it doesn't matter what kind of person you are -- It doesn't matter what kind of people your parents were -- It doesn't even matter that you believe that there is a God, and think He's a pretty cool being. Even Satan believes there is a God.  All that matters is that you understand the requirement written above for your salvation.

Of course, if you believe what Romans 10:9 says about salvation, then you will begin to let the Holy Spirit modify your nature, and suddenly all the things that didn't matter to acquire you salvation will matter as you share you salvation with others.  It will then matter what kind of person you are, it will then matter what you say about your parents, and it will then matter what you think about the kind of being God is.  When your relationship with God changes in that way, all of the other things that transform you into a new creature will begin to work in your life.

As if by some modification of physical law, the original premise suddenly becomes valid again.  It is hard to go to Hell in America.  Why?  Because -- those people you used to hold with a cynical gaze, aren't just trying to sell you stuff or get your money.  They are actually trying to spread the word of God.  They proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world in the only way they understand, and when you are a new creature, you begin to get it.  God uses them to touch people, maybe not you, but people that need to hear about God in the way they are explaining it.  They mean no harm with their heavy-handed sales pitches, they are just seeking after God with all of their hearts, just as you and I are suppose to.

They are doing it their way, and if you are a creature of light, then you will begin to understand why God has given you the specific gifts you have.  You will begin to see ways you can use those talents to reach the world the way Christ expects you to.

It is hard to go to Hell in the Unites States, because so many people are telling you about God, and His love.  You have simply chosen your own path, and decided you will get around to God some day, but now you want to do things your way.  It is hard, but some of you will do it any way.  According to Matthew 7, most of you will.

Don't be one of the many, be one of the few.