The Gospel

Am I Going to Heaven?

Everyone considers this question, at least occasionally, perhaps when they attend the funeral of a friend or loved one. Most people would say they hope to go to heaven and yet are quite uncertain about how to get there. In any case, the end of this life is an appointment we all must keep, for the Bible says: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).

• But what is this “Judgment”?
• Doesn’t everybody go to Heaven?
• What does it mean to be “Saved”?

The answers to these questions and many more can be found in God’s Word. The Bible is the Word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). “Thy word is true from the beginning” (Psalm 119:160).

The Bible tells us that there is a God who transcends this world, to whom you and I are accountable. Our happiness and sense of purpose come from having a relationship with the God who created us.

But according to the Bible, our sins separate us from God and deserve condemnation (judgment). “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).

The Bible also speaks solemnly of a coming Judgment Day when men will be called to give an account for their sins. “I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God . . . and the dead were judged . . . And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:12, 15). Hell is a sober reality. All who die in their sins will perish in the lake of fire forever. Those who hastily dismiss this danger do so at their own peril.

God is Merciful

The good news is, God is merciful! He loves you and me and sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into this world to save sinners from perishing. “God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

Over 2000 years ago, the Son of God became a man, born of the virgin Mary in the little town of Bethlehem—God and man in One Person. On the cruel cross, that perfect, sinless Savior suffered and died, shedding His precious blood to cleanse guilty men of their sins. “I declare unto you the gospel . . . How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:1, 3, 4). “For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18).

Because Jesus died for us and rose again from the dead, God can now pardon all who repent of their sins and receive Him by faith. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7).

Those who trust in Christ are forgiven and justified in God’s sight. They become His children and the beneficiaries of His eternal blessing. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

The Sure Way to Heaven

My friend, do you want to be certain about going to heaven? The Bible says you can KNOW you have eternal life when you place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may KNOW that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

All who trust in Christ as Savior receive eternal life immediately and their place in heaven is secure. The very moment a sinner receives the Savior, he passes from death unto life and will never be condemned for his sins. Jesus said, “He who hears my word, and believes on Him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but has passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). With his sins forgiven and eternal life as his present possession, the Believer in Christ can KNOW, with full assurance, that he will go to heaven, where Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God!

Religion Will Not Get You There

Many people hope to gain admittance into heaven by their good works and dependence upon the rites, observances and sacraments of their church or religious group. But these practices offer no assurance of heaven, leaving you in doubt, waiting to find out if you make it in the end. Such hope is vain. Only faith in Christ alone brings salvation and guarantees it. There is nothing for you to do. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5). There is nothing to join. “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8, 9).

How about YOU?

God’s gracious offer of mercy is extended to you right now! Will you accept it? Simply bow your heart to the Lord Jesus and trust in Him to save you from your sins. Jesus receives all who come to Him in sincere repentance and faith. “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk. 18:13). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Jesus said, “He who comes to me I will in no way cast out” (John 6:37).

God also has a wonderful plan for your life! As a Believer in Christ, you will enter into a new relationship with God, who will abide with you permanently to lead you and guide you through a life of fulfillment and purpose. “In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6). Salvation is forever! Once you have it, you can never lose it. God’s promise to Believers is, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).

What if I Refuse to Trust in Christ?

My friend, God gave His only Son to suffer and die for you. He does not look with favor on those who spurn His love and reject His Son. If you ignore His offer of mercy, you will not receive eternal life, your life will be a waste and you will have to answer for your sins on judgment day. “These shall go away into everlasting punishment” (Matt. 25:46).

Accept Jesus as Your Savior Today

Call upon the Lord today! He will save you immediately and keep you forever. Then you will be able to say, “I KNOW I’m going to heaven!”

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).