It would be very distressing to come to the end of life on earth, and discover you had made a lifelong mistake in what you believed. Many have done that; but not Stephen, who we read about in this passage from the Bible. But how was he so sure that what he had believed and lived for was true and right?
Stephen, on trial for his faith, has been showing his accusers that although it was their Jewish nation who had received God’s Law, they certainly had not obeyed it! (Romans 3:1-2. Acts 7:53.)
Their religious beliefs and practices had become more important to them than God’s Word, the Holy Bible. (Matthew 7:21-27. 15:8-9.) They would not change to obey God’s Word! (Acts 7:51-52.)
Instead, “they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’
“At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.” (verses 54-58.)
This mob of religious leaders that were cruelly crushing and destroying Stephen’s body, could not crush his spirit! Stephen’s faith was fixed on Jesus, who by His death for sinful mankind, had opened Heaven for all those who would be willing to put their trust in Him. Stephen had; and so have I! (John 6:37-40.)
Be careful that you don’t be bullied into believing those who claim they can take Jesus’ place for you. (Matthew 24:4-5. 1stTimothy 2:5-6.) No one but JESUS can open Heaven to you. (Acts 4:12. John 10:7-10.) Stephen certainly had not allowed himself to be deceived by those religious priests and leaders.
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord! Do not hold this sin against them!’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” in death. (verses 59-60.) He had gone to be forever with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, which was far better for him. (Philippians 1:21-23.)
That mob seemed determined to continue with their lifelong mistake about religion: but not all of them would! At least one young man among them, some time later, changed his ways to trust Jesus to save him, instead of believing his religion could save him. His name was Saul. (verse 58. Philippians 3:4-9.) We will read much more about Saul later in Acts.
Remember it is only those who will trust in Jesus alone as the One to give them forgiveness and victory over sin who will see heaven opened for them - opened by JESUS. (John 14:6. Hebrews 10:19-23. 1stPeter 3:18.)
Read in Acts chapter 7, verses 54-60, about Heaven opened for Stephen.
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