9/11/08

In your personal opinion...

what do you understand it takes for a person to get to Heaven and have eternal life?

If it is alright with you, I would like to share with you how the Bible answers this question.

There is a word that can be used to answer that question...F.A.I.T.H.

F is for Forgiveness.

Everyone has sinned and needs the forgiveness of God.

Romans 3.23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.

The forgiveness of God is in Jesus alone.

Ephesians 1.7 In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace.

A is for Available.

The forgiveness of God is available for all.

John 3.16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have Everlasting Life.

The forgiveness of God is available, but it is not automatic.

Matthew 7.21 Not everyone who says to Me Lord, Lord shall enter the Kingdom Of Heaven.

I is for Impossible.

According the Bible, it is impossible to get to Heaven on our own.

Ephesians 2.8-9 For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

So, how can a sinful person receive the forgiveness of God, eternal life and Heaven?

T is for Turn

If you were going down the road and someone asked to turn, what would he/she be asking you to do? The answer is to change direction.

Turn means to repent.

Turn from sin and self.

Luke 13.3 Unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (the word perish here literally means hell)

Turn to Jesus alone as your Savior and Lord.

John 14.6 I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Here is the greatest news of all.

Romans 10.9-10 If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

So, what happens if a sinful person repents of their sins and confesses Christ?

H is for Heaven

Heaven is a place where we will live with God forever.

John 14.3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that wherever I am, there you will be also.

Eternal life begins now with Jesus.

John 10.10 I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.

H can also stand for How

So, how can a sinful person receive the forgiveness of God, eternal life and Heaven?

By repenting of your sins and trusting in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.