Heaven?

People seek many different paths to heaven.  Some think, “I am doing my best… surely God will let me into heaven.”  Others look to various religious means: the Ten Commandments, church membership, baptism, confirmation, doing good things, etc.  But how can any of these aspects of religion really ensure that one goes to heaven?

Many people today are sincerely practicing their faith.  But is sincerity enough?  In John chapter four, Jesus confronted a woman who’s worship was wrong though it may have been sincere.  To his disciples, Jesus later said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  In a world of so much religious confusion, here is a refreshingly clear truth:  Jesus said that He alone is the way to God.

What can you and I do to obtain heaven?  In 1 John 5:13, the writer declares that, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”  The Bible explains that, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him ” (John 3:36).  Paul preached both to Jews and Gentiles “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

How then may a person seek the Lord?

Acknowledge that you are a sinner who needs to be saved.  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).   No one is able to save themselves; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Believe that God has provided for your salvation through Jesus Christ.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should  not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Confess your sinfulness and call upon God.  “The Lord… is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).  Ask God for salvation now!  “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).

“Oh God, I have sinned against You and made You my enemy.  I know that it is only through the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ that I can be saved from my sin.  I ask for Your forgiveness and ask You to cleanse me from all my sin.  Please save me.  Amen”