In your personal opinion, what do you
understand it takes for a person to go to heaven?
This
is how The Bible answers that question:
.... Look at the word:
FAITH
F is for FORGIVENESS
We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's
forgiveness - Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him (meaning Jesus) we have
redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches
of his grace;"
A is for AVAILABLE: Forgiveness is available. It is…
•
Available for All - John 3:16 says, "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."
•
But Not Automatic - Matthew 7:21 says, "Not every
one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
I is for IMPOSSIBLE:
It is
impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.
• Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgment
is against sin. James 2:13 says, "For he shall have judgment without
mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment."
• Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned
and come short of the glory of God."
But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no
sin?
T is for TURN: Turn means repent.
• Turn from something: Sin and Self - Luke 13:3 says,
"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish."
• Turn to Someone: trust Christ only - Romans 10:9 says,
"That 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."
H is for HEAVEN: Heaven is eternal life.
• “Here” John 10:10
says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly."
• “Hereafter” John 14:3 says, "And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I
am, there ye may be also."
• How? How can a
person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal
Savior and Lord?
By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness.
Take the step of faith described by another acrostic of the
word FAITH:
Forsaking All I Trust
Him
Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many
ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and
resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from sin and ask You to come
into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by
living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me.
Amen."
After you receive Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend about the important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer's baptism and church membership. Grow in faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming a part of His church and attending the Bible Study class a church has for you. You'll find others who will love and support you.
If you are willing, a pastor would love to visit with you about your decision or any other questions you might have. Click here for contact information.