What will Heaven be like? Imagine a place with streets of pure gold--a place where there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain. Heaven promises to be a place of great purpose and beauty. (Revelation 21:4-27)
What are the entrance requirements? Perfection. That is, you must have lived a perfect life. (Matthew 5:48)
I've led a pretty good life . . . No, sorry--it must be a perfect life. That is, with God as the judge of perfection. (James 2:10)
You mean, if I've done anything that God says is wrong--even once in my entire life, I can't get in? Sorry, but those are the rules. You see, when we do what God says is wrong, that's what the Bible refers to as sin. When we sin against God, there is a penalty that must be paid. It's just like breaking the law--when you are caught, you must pay a price for what you did. The Bible says that the penalty for sin is death and eternal separation from God. You cannot go to Heaven if you've been found guilty of sin. (Isaiah 59:1-2, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15)
So there's still a chance I might get in? What if I try to do a lot of good things from now on? Sorry, but you've already been judged. The Bible says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Isn't there any other way I can get into Heaven? There's only one other way. If someone else lived a perfect life, that person would be in the position to pay the penalty for your sin. (Hebrews 9:22)
But didn't you say the penalty for sin was death? Who would be willing to make such a sacrifice? Indeed, that would be the ultimate sacrifice. (John 15:13) Do you know of anyone who would do this for you?
I don't know of anyone perfect, much less anyone who would be willing to do that. Do you? Yes! The good news of the Bible is that someone already has sacrificed His life for ours. This person is Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:21-26, 1 John 2:1-2, 4:10)
Oh, I've heard about him. But he was just a prophet or a teacher, wasn't he? No, he was much more than that--in fact, He claimed to be the Son of God! So now you must decide. (Philippians 2:5-11, John 8:58, John 10:30)
What do you mean? You see, now that you've heard Jesus' claim, you must decide whether or not to believe it. Either you believe Jesus was telling the truth, or you believe he wasn't. (John 3:18)
I'm not sure I know enough . . . What else did this Jesus person say? Many things. He said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." He also said, "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life." (John 14:6, John 6:47)
So all I have to do is believe in Jesus and I can go to Heaven? That's right. When we believe, God frees us from the eternal consequences of our sin and we receive the right to be called a child of God (John 3:18, 1:12)
I'm ready to make that decision now. What should I do? Prayer is nothing more than simply talking to God. Talk to Him right now and tell Him that you have decided to believe in Jesus. Tell God that you want to receive His free gift of eternal life right now. (Romans 6:23)
I've accepted God's free gift--now what? A good first step is to start reading the Bible. Start with the book of John. Find a church that teaches what the Bible clearly says without adding things to it or taking things away from it. Beware of those who try to make the Bible say things it does not. Pray to God--He loves you greatly and wants to hear from you! Consider being baptized in water. (Acts 8:35-38) And tell others about how they can get to Heaven--the doors are open to all who will accept the simple message.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)For more information, visit the following sites:
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.