Most people understand Heaven to be a place where good people go after they die. Heaven is often spoken of in contrast to Hell, where it is assumed that all bad people go. But is this an accurate characterization of Heaven and Hell? Do either exist? If they do, then it would seem clear that the most important decision a person could make on earth would be in relation to these two places.
The Bible speaks extensively about Heaven and Hell. The Apostle John, writing in the book of Revelation, provides a vivid description of life for those fortunate enough to live in the "new Jerusalem":
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:3-5)In verses 10-27, John goes on to describe the physical characteristics of the Holy City. He describes a place of brilliant splendor and majesty, paved with streets of gold and lined with precious gems.
There could be no more striking contrast to Heaven than Hell, which is described as a "furnace" where the "fire is not quenched." [1] In Matthew 7:13, Jesus says "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." The Bible makes it clear that one of only two destinations await humanity: Heaven or Hell. [2]
So the obvious question becomes, "what do I have to do to get to Heaven?" This same question was asked in a different way nearly 2,000 years ago by a Phillipian jailer who cried out to Paul and Silas, "what must I do to be saved?" They replied,
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." (Acts 16:31)The Bible makes it clear that only by believing in Jesus Christ can one be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus made it clear when He spoke to Nicodemus in the book of John:
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (John 3:13-18)Apart from believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, the Bible says we are already condemned. In verses 14-15, Jesus predicts His death and explains the reason for it: ". . . the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." Jesus' death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins so that those who believe in Him might be saved from Hell and the judgment we deserve. Jesus' resurrection three days later proved to all His authority over sin and death.
You can be saved. Right here, right now. You can know you are going to Heaven.
"I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)Can you think of any good reason why you should not accept the free gift of salvation?
Prayer is a way of talking to God. There is no prayer that can save you--only God can. Words are meaningless if they do not reflect the intent of your heart. Simply tell God that you understand your need for forgiveness from sin and want to accept His free gift of salvation. Tell Him you believe in Jesus and His death on the cross for your sins. Trust in Christ alone for your salvation.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through
faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift
of God--not by works, so that no one can boast."
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
For more information, visit the following sites: [1] The Greek word "gehenna," translated "Hell," is used in Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,45,47; Luke 12:5; and James 3:6. The Greek word "hades," translated "depths" or "hell," is used in Matthew 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27, 31; Revelation 1:18; 6:8; 20:13,14. See also references to the "lake of fire" in Revelation 19:20; 20:10,14,15.)
[2] Heaven: Revelation 21:27; Hell: Revelation 20:15
Copyright © 1998-2000 Tim A. Krell. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.