You may have heard about Jesus and want to go to heaven. Or you think you're a good person so God should let you into heaven. What else is there to know or do?
Well, it’s important to understand what the Bible says.
The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 6:23). All people have sinned, period. It’s not a matter of being better than the other person in order to get into heaven, we are all sinners in God’s eyes.
We are also told that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). When you work a job, you get paid wages (or money) deserving of the work you do, because that is what is owed to you. Well, for our sin, we get eternal death, separation from God in hell, that is our just payment for the work (sin) we do. However, God provides a “gift” of eternal life through Jesus Christ. A gift means we did not earn it, but it’s given to us.
You see, even though all are sinners, God loves us and sent His son to die in our place. So instead of us dying for our sins, like we deserve, He died for us. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
However, in order for us to receive the gift from God, we must believe in Jesus. Believe does not mean head knowledge, but to trust and rely on Him. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Again, God “gave”, it’s a gift, but one must believe or trust.
Also, we are to repent, Mark 1:15 tells us “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Repent means to turn from your current path away from God and believe in the good news (Gospel), that God provides eternal life as a gift for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
So, how do I express my trust in Jesus Christ? Romans 10:9 tells us that “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.” You need to confess openly that Jesus is your Lord (Master) and believe in your heart that God raised Him so you can be saved.
Some people may say, I have always known about Jesus or was raised in a good home and went to church as a kid; that should be enough for me to get into heaven. The Bible tells us in John 3:3 "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." It is clear, that there must be a specific time when someone is changed, from the inside out (born-again), based on their confession of Christ and God providing that gift of salvation. It’s not a matter of attending church or knowing about Jesus since you were young, but making that decision to trust Him as your Lord and Savior.
It’s important to realize that there is nothing you can do to earn this gift or eternal life. It’s free and based on God’s love that we don’t deserve. This incredible love of God is called grace. The bible tells us in Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Everyone places their faith in something. When you sit in a chair, you have faith it will hold you. But where are you placing your trust with your eternal future? When you place your faith in Christ, because of God’s love, He saves us, and it’s a gift, so nobody could brag about what they have done to earn their salvation.
When you trust Christ as your Savior and repent, you are a “new creation” in God’s eyes, or “born again” as we learned in John 3:3. The bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, your old past is gone, you are now new, with no threat of being eternally separated from God because of your sins. Christ is your Savior and because of that you are not condemned (to hell) but saved (going to heaven). (Romans 8:1, “there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus”)
And when you trust Christ as your Savior, you receive the Holy Spirit, also known as our Helper. Ephesians 1:13 tells us “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” When you trust Christ as your Savior, you are “sealed” with the Holy Spirit at that time. Sheep get branded so people know who owns the sheep. We are “branded” or sealed with the Holy Spirit which shows God’s eternal claim on us as His child.
Just because you are a believer in Jesus Christ, this does not mean you will not sin. The bible tells us in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Even though we have already been forgiven for all our sins (past, present, and future), the guilt of sin makes us feel dirty. So, when you do sin, confess it so God cleanse your heart.
Also, as a believer in Jesus Christ, your “eternal life” starts when you trust Christ as your Savior. It does not start when you get to heaven but while you are here on earth. And Christ made it clear that He died so that you may have life or “joy”, now! John 10:10 tells us “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The thief, who is satan in this verse, wants to make your life difficult since you are now trusting Christ. But Christ wants you to have an abundant life, one where there is excitement and fulfillment in obeying and following what God has planned for your new life.
Lastly, the bible tells us in Matthew 7:13, "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. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” This is a difficult passage because “few” find the narrow gate, Jesus Christ, and the path that leads to life. Some may put their faith in themselves, others, the world, or false religions. They may believe that there are multiple ways to heaven, or by being good, or following any “religion” is ok because they all end up in the same place. None of this is true, because Jesus Christ makes it clear in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Getting to heaven is only possible through Jesus Christ, if you trust Him and repent.
So, do you want to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ as your Savior and accept His free gift of salvation? What do you need to do?
- PRAY
- Go to God in prayer and admit you are sinner and are sorry for your sins
- Also, admit that you need a Savior and ask Him to come into your heart
- Let God know that this point moving forward you are trusting Christ as your Savior and that you will repent (change) from your ways leading you away from God.
- When you have prayed that (in sincerity), thank God for His gift of salvation
- Lastly, tell someone of your decision to become a believer in Jesus Christ.
If you prayed that prayer, will you let us know? Also, if you want to know more about a walk with Jesus Christ, let us know through the CONTACT US form.
May God greatly bless you on your new journey with Him
Note: All verses taken from New King James Version