Are you going to heaven?

There’s probably more uncertainty about the most important matter in the world than about any other. Let me illustrate: If you were to ask 100 people at random about the economy, politics, or pollution, you would get a fairly definite opinion from most. But ask the same 100 people, “Are you going to Heaven when you die?” The vast majority would answer with varying degrees of doubt—”I don’t know”...“I’m working on it”...“I have no idea”...“I’m not sure.” Many of these same people would tell you that they believe in Jesus Christ and that they believe in Heaven. Yet they don’t know whether or not they are going to Heaven.

What would your answer be?

Most of us know definitely whether or not we are working and whether or not we are married. Yet we do not know whether or not we have eternal life. Most travelers know where their destination is. Yet ask them where their final destination will be—where they will be living forever—and very few know! This uncertainty comes from a misunderstanding of what is involved in attaining eternal life and going to Heaven. If you were to ask the average person what one must do to have eternal life, his answer would probably include one or more of the following:

• Live a good life

• Obey the Ten Commandments

• Join a church and attend regularly

• Love your fellow man

• Be baptized and/or confirmed

• Follow the teachings and example of Christ.

All of these represent something that people do or try to do. They reflect the popular idea that eternal life in Heaven is a reward to be earned.

But the Bible states clearly that we cannot win or earn our way to Heaven. Eternal life is not a reward for what we have done or tried to do; it is a free gift. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

So long as we think that we must earn our way into the presence of God, we can never be certain that we have done enough to deserve Heaven. Most of us realize that we are not good enough to measure up to God’s perfect standards. And for us to say, “I know I’m going to Heaven” sounds like the ultimate in pride and boasting, if Heaven is reached through good works.

The only sure answer!

The Bible, however, teaches that we cannot be good enough, that we cannot work our way to Heaven—and that we do not need to! We are to realize, instead, that Jesus Christ has opened the way to Heaven for us. No matter how bad we may be, any of us can qualify.

The Bible says, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his [God's] sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested...Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe...” (Romans 3:20-22).

You see, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins—yours and mine—by His death on the cross. Having completely paid our sin penalty, He rose from the dead and now offers eternal life to you and to me as a gift . By simply recognizing our need for a divine Savior, and by accepting Christ’s payment for our sins and our salvation, the matter of our eternal destiny is immediately resolved.

This is the way—the only way—to know for sure that you have eternal life.

Do you have this assurance?

If not, you can gain this assurance right here and now. How? The Bible says, speaking of Christ: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

Have you received Him?

How, you still ask?

Well, let me illustrate by comparing your life to your home. In the last book of the Bible, Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

It’s up to you to open the door of your life to Christ. Are you willing to invite Jesus to come in and change your life? Are you willing to place all of your trust and confidence in Him rather than in your own works? If so, let me suggest you complete the transaction by praying something like this:

Dear God, I know I am a sinner and unable to save myself. But I do believe You love me, and that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. Right here and now, I ask You to forgive my every sin and give me the gift of eternal life. Thank You, dear God, for hearing and answering my prayer, and for giving me eternal life as You promised You would. Amen.

In closing, let me remind you that the Bible says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life...” (1 John 5:13).