Madison Baptist Association
Great Commandment, Great Commission Ministries
Madison Baptist Association
Great Commandment, Great Commission Ministries
Copyright 2008 Madison Baptist Association
In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven?
There are a lot of ways people can answer this question. This is how the Bible answers it. We can use the word F.A.I.T.H. to help us better explain it.
F is for FORGIVENESS
We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness. Life is all about a relationship with God and we are in need of His forgiveness.
The Bible says: In Him [meaning Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins - Ephesians 1:7a.
A is for AVAILABLE
The good news is that God’s forgiveness is available. It is —
* Available for All
The Bible says: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life - John 3:16.
* But God’s Forgiveness is Not Automatic
The Bible says: Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven -
Matthew 7:21a.
I is for IMPOSSIBLE
This forgiveness is not automatic because 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.
The Bible says: For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy - James 2:13a.
* Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner, having broken God’s laws and trusting themselves instead of God.
The Bible says: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23, NKJV.
But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?
T is for TURN
The Bible tells us a sinful person can enter heaven only when he or she stops trusting in his or her own goodness to get there and instead trusts in Jesus. Turn means repent.
* Turn from something--sin and self.
The Bible says: But unless you repent you will all likewise perish - Luke 13:3b.
* Turn to Someone: trust Christ only.
The Bible says: If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God
has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved - Romans 10:9.
H is for HEAVEN
Heaven is eternal life.
* Heaven is here
The Bible says: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more
abundantly - John 10:10b.
* Heaven is hereafter
The Bible says: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to
Myself; that where I am, there you may be also - John 14:3.
How can a person gain God’s forgiveness and eternal life?
The Bible tells us that by trusting Jesus and asking Him for forgiveness, anyone can have God’s forgiveness and an eternal relationship with Him. This is done by telling God we will follow Him with our lives (confessing as Lord), realizing that we can only gain God’s forgiveness through Jesus (believing on Jesus).
We do this through simple prayer like this one:
Sample 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 my 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.
Now What?
After you have received 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 getting plugged into a church. You'll find others who will love and support you.
You can search our listing of churches to find one that fits you and your familey best.
. : How To Become A Christian : .
