Do you know for sure where you will spend eternity??
Have you wondered what happens when life is over? Have you ever wondered what you might say to God if He were to ask you: "Why should I let you into my heaven?"
Do you wonder if God has provided a specific plan for getting into heaven? Is there an "entry ticket" that must be possessed? After all, even an Angel's baseball game requires a special ticket - a movie ticket just won't be accepted.
At some time, each of us will face the reality of death. Many fear this reality and attempt to hide from it. Still others simply cross their fingers and hope it all works out. Did God leave us a way of knowing FOR SURE? Did He give us some sort of indication of what He requires for us to get in? As a matter of fact He did.
The Bible tells us that He gave us His word, the Bible, so that we might know that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13). God never intended for our eternal home to be a mystery. In fact, He was incredibly clear on the subject.
Below you will find God's plan as provided in the Bible. It's His way - the only way - to gain entry into Heaven. If you have any questions after reading these verses and the associated descriptions, please call us at Grace Church. We would be happy to discuss your questions and provide answers directly from God's guidebook on life - the Bible.
1. Heaven is a Free Gift.
The Bible says that God promised to provide Heaven as a free gift (Romans 6:23). The Bible says that Heaven is a gift received by faith -not something that can be earned by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. Sin has separated us from God - the sin that we commit.
The Bible says that we have all sinned and we all fall short of reaching Him (Romans 3:23). Sins are not just those committed, but also anything God requires that is omitted. In short, we must be perfect to reach God (Matthew 5:48). A life from start to end that experiences even one sin requires payment in order to be restored to a proper relationship with God.
3. God is merciful and does not want to punish you; He is also just - therefore must punish sin.
The Bible says God is love (1 John 4:8).
The Bible says that God will punish sin (Exodus 34:7).
4. God solved the problem we created by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins (i.e., He purchased the ticket we need for entry into Heaven.)
The Bible says that Jesus was fully God while becoming fully man. Jesus became man in order that His death on the cross could pay the penalty of our sins - once and for all. Jesus purchased the entry tickets for each and every one of us. Through Him our sins are forgiven and we can be made perfect in God's presence (John 1:1, 14; 20:28).
5. Faith in Jesus Christ is the way - the only way - we receive the free gift of heaven. In receiving this gift we are promised an eternal life with God, the Creator and Ruler of everything.
It's not just believing in God academically. The Bible says that even the demons "believe" in God (James 2:19). It's not just believing temporarily - times of crisis often cause us to turn to God - but it's temporary. Instead, Faith is believing in Him in such a way that you allow Him total control of your life. You must surrender yourself and trust in Him, knowing He loves you, cares for you and has a perfect plan for you.
If this makes sense to you, you can pray right where you are, acknowledging your understanding and your desire to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He will come into your life, offering you peace and joy. He will care for you both here on earth - and most importantly - He will care for you right into Heaven.
If you have any questions about how you can trust Christ to be your Lord and Savior, please contact our church office at (626) 335-4067. We look forward to helping in your quest - we encourage you to really get to know the God of all creation - He desires to share in a relationship with you.