Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48). He added, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever…” (John 6:51). The Lord was speaking to a multitude of people following Him for more of the miraculous food He had provided them previously.But Jesus was speaking of spiritual food, something far more important.

Jesus also told the people, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). Notice that the Lord did not say that one has to pray a “sinner’s prayer” or witness for Him in any way. In fact, He was declaring that simple, sincere belief in Christ is sufficient.

The Apostle Paul said, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God; not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Some preachers and churches teach that one must do all sorts of things to be saved. All such “works salvation” is pure heresy. Salvation cannot be bought or earned in any way. It is by grace alone. If anyone could earn salvation, that would nullify grace, which is unmerited favor from God to anyone who truly believes in and puts his trust in Jesus Christ.

Jesus was bluntly honest in telling the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts. After Christ told the crowd that no one could come to Him unless granted by the Father, many of His disciples “went back and waked with Him no more” (John 6:65-66). Jesus then asked the twelve if they also wanted to go away. Peter answered Him by declaring, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68).

Peter later stated to believers, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

Fables are exactly what the world in general considers Christian doctrine, and how very tragic that is for all who reject Christ. Their poor souls have a grim future of eternal torment in hell. This really bothers me, because I believe everything God has declared in His Word. So, I pray for unbelievers, and I urge all Christians to do the same. There are unbelievers that most of us love: friends, neighbors, and even family members.

It does not help to realize how foolish unbelievers are. The Lord has commissioned all who believe in Him to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and attempt to persuade unbelievers of the truth. Often we fail to convince people, but our job is to simply declare the truth. Results are the responsibility of the Holy Spirit. Other than continuing to pray for the lost, our job is finished by declaring the Gospel to them.

Sadly, most people today do not and will not accept Christ as being the Son of God. And for that reason they will never see Heaven. That is sad indeed.