A minister, a missionary, and an old lady arrived at the gate of heaven. To their surprise they did not find Peter there, but another person. Though the person was different, the question was one all had anticipated and were eager to answer, "Why should I allow you to enter heaven?"
The minister replied, "Well, I was in the ministry more than forty years, I planted churches, evangelized and wrote a number of books and pamphlets." The person then asked, "But do you know Jesus? Somewhat irritated the minister answered, "Would I have done all these things if I had not known Him?" The missionary was then asked, "Why should I allow you to enter heaven?"
The missionary sighed, "For years I worked among a Stone Age tribe. Through my ministry the whole tribe was converted. I taught the people to read, did translation work, treated their sick."
"But do you know Jesus?"
"Could anyone have achieved this without knowing Him?" the missionary replied adamantly. Finally, the same question was posed to the lady: "Why should I allow you to enter heaven?" Her achievements were not that impressive. She went to church, read her Bible, prayed, and helped in her own little way wherever she could.
"But do you know Jesus?" the gatekeeper at last enquired. Suddenly a radiant smile flashed across her face, "Yes, of course, Lord! I recognized You right away!
122 posted on 09/12/2003 10:16:20 AM PDT by Dubya
(Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
