There’s actually only one step to Heaven, and that’s the step of faith.
Heaven is the eternal blessing or the result of being in a right relationship with God. To have this relationship, God requires us to accept (faith) the provision that He has made for the forgiveness of our sins. You see, sin separates us from God. Sin is a wall that stands between us and God:
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)
Forgiveness of sin removes the wall. It’s through Jesus, and faith in Him, that we obtain this forgiveness—thus bringing us into a right relationship with God:
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
TO OBTAIN FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS, THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS WE MUST UNDERSTAND AND BELIEVE:
1 — That we are all sinners in the eyes of God, and therefore, separated from Him:
“There is no one righteous, not even one….for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:10,23)
2 — That God is just and must punish sin, and if we die in our sins we will remain separated from God for all eternity, suffering the penalty for our sins:
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23) (spiritual death, which is separation from God)
Jesus said, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment…” (Matthew 25:46)
“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)
3 — That God loves us and has provided a way out—that it’s only through His one and only Son that we can have forgiveness of our sins and eternity in God’s presence:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43)
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6)
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (John 5:11-12)
4 — That because of our sinful condition, there’s nothing we can do to earn forgiveness, but is a gift of God’s grace:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
5 — That Jesus died on the cross for our sins (taking upon Himself the punishment we deserve) and rose from the dead—thereby, providing the way of forgiveness and the way to God:
“…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” (1 Peter 2:24)
6 — That forgiveness of sins and a right relationship with God is not automatic. It must be acted upon individually—in the form of faith. This means placing our faith in Jesus, the Son of God, trusting Him alone for the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (John 3:36)
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
Jesus said, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 6:37)
WE ARE A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – BSB)
In Christ we’re given a new heart, a new life and a wonderful new purpose for living. We have a King who has supreme rule. He watches over us and directs our way in life, as we serve to advance His kingdom. Knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior is truly life-changing.
WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:3-5)
JESUS INVITES YOU TO COME
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
This is personal between you and the Lord Jesus. If your heart is ready, take a moment to express your faith in Him as your Lord and Savior, thanking Him for all He did for you in providing for your salvation.
