In an earlier blog I stated that I had some questions about how we can be sure we are going to Heaven. I can't believe I felt that it was so complicated when it is really SIMPLE to be assured of eternal life in Heaven with God.
I became confused when reading the work of a VERY popular Christian author. I'm not going to go into detail about her philosophy because I've got the real deal straight from the Word. (Amen!).
All you need to do to get to heaven is (drumrolll please...........)
****Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.****
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (Jesus) that whoever believes in Him should not perish (in hell) but should have eternal life (in heaven).
Going to heaven has NOTHING to do with how you live your life on earth. It has NOTHING to do with how many good or bad things you do while you're here. The ONLY thing you need to do in your whole life to go to heaven is to JUST BELIEVE in the saving work of Jesus on the cross.
Isn't that pretty freakin' amazing?
Jesus' death on the cross was ENOUGH to save us. We can't do anything to earn salvation. Nothing! Just believing is enough.
(Another verse to assure of this fact: 1 John 5:13 "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ")
And yes, I do believe it is important to live a life that is respectable, that follows the guidelines set forth in the Bible and I do believe that people who believe in Christ will be awarded for the things they've done in their lives to honor Him.
However, I *KNOW* that it isn't what I do in life, how kind I am, how loving or loyal or supportive or caring I am that will get me to Heaven. It is my belief in Jesus, His work on the cross and in His Father who sent Him for our benefit.
I'm so glad the He did all the work. His death saved me from the punishment my sinful soul deserves. What a miracle! What a blessing! What peace of mind I can have!
Want to read more about the assurance of salvation we can find in the Bible? I found this website helpful...
***To wrap it all up***
1. believe in Jesus (that He is the Son of God, was sent to earth to be born of a virgin, lived, taught, performed miracles and eventually died on the cross and suffered the punishment for our sin and was raised the 3rd day and lives in Heaven)
2. belief in Jesus leads to asking forgiveness for sin
3. true repentance from sin leads to a desire to live in a way that pleases Him
4. living in a way that pleases Him is a testament to others of what He has done for us.
Any other questions? Email me or comment...I love a good discussion about Jesus.
5 comments:
oh the wonder of it all. I am AMAZED that the Lord would lay down HIS life and suffer for one such as me.
i sure am glad God doesn't leave our eternal security up to something we can do. cause frankly, that wouldn't turn out too well. praise God from whom all blessings flow!!
Although, I have always believed this, it is ALWAYS so wonderful to see it, read about it & hear it again and again!!
This is an awesome way to spread the WORD!
I hope you don't mind that I followed your example and added this as a link to my blogs as well!
Great post! If only you could put this on the front page of every news website out there!
Ben
www.65lbs.blogspot.com
thank you for the link to this very
helpful site....
i came across your blog through
my DIL's megan.
your girls are adorable...
thanks again
patricia
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