Are You Sure About Heaven?

Many people do not read the Bible today – so they miss the way.Are You Sure About Heaven?As I read the obituary column in the newspaper, I realized that most people assume that every departed loved one is now in heaven. One day our names will appear in the obituary column. Are we sure we’ll be in heaven? The Bible tells us that heaven is a “prepared” place for a “prepared” people – those who “know the way” and who have been born again (Jn. 14:1-6). It may surprise you, but these people are definitely not in heaven because of any merit of their own. God’s Word tells us that after death there is only one destination for those who had no time for God, who never acknowledged His Son as their personal savior. Did you know that Jesus Christ warned people more about hell than He spoke about heaven? So it makes sense to heed this message and not ignore it until it is too late. God left clear instructions in the Bible. But many people do not read the Bible today – so they miss the way. Some misguided people are trusting in their baptism or in their membership in a certain church. And some say, “I believe in God and live a decent life, so that should get me to Heaven.”

Are you one of these people? My friend, your respectable life, as good as it is, is not a valid “passport” to heaven. God’s Word is truth, and in Ephesians 2:8-9 we read: “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.” Those who are relying on their good works for salvation are in for a terrible shock – but then it will be too late! Did you know that we can be absolutely sure that our destination will be heaven when the time comes. The Bible says, “I write these things to you ... that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 Jn. 5:13). To start with, it tells us that without exception “all have sinned,” and this is our barrier to heaven (Rom. 3:23). But then God’s Word continues and tells us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Then it goes on to say that He rose triumphantly from the grave to make it possible for us to enter heaven (1 Cor. 15:3-4). In the words of a favorite hymn, “There was no other good enough to pay the awful price of sin, He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in.” That’s what Jesus did! The wrath of a holy God came upon Him on the cross. Through His death and resurrection the way to heaven is now offered to us. But first we must individually come to Jesus in prayer, sincerely repent of our sins and acknowledge Him as our sin bearer and personal savior. He is the only way to heaven, for He alone has the authority to forgive us, to cleanse us from sin and give us assurance of heaven. If you are sincere with Him, I can tell you from personal experience that you will immediately receive a new life with all its spiritual blessings. The key verses that tell us how to get to heaven are these: “Turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21). He said, “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (Jn. 6:37). Accept His invitation today and He will make you a genuine and joyful “born-again” Christian. You will then be prepared and ready for the day of departure to that place that has been prepared for you – heaven. Why put off this decision concerning your eternal future? Don’t just hope for the best: “Now is the time ... now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Tomorrow may be too late. If you need more help to make this decision, write to us at the address below. By Fred Dodds