Heaven

A Matter of FAITH

Jesus loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you.

In your opinion, what do you think it takes for a person to get to heaven and have eternal life?

Here is how the Bible answers this question. It is answered in one word: FAITH.

F is for Forgiveness

• Everyone has sinned and needs God's forgiveness. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." -Romans 3:23

• God's forgiveness is found in Jesus only. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." –Ephesians 1:7

A is for Available

• God's forgiveness is available for all. "God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." –John 3:16

• God's forgiveness is available but not automatic. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven." –Matthew 7:21

I is for Impossible

• According to the Bible, it is impossible to get to heaven on our own. "By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift - not from works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

• So how can a sinful person have eternal life and enter heaven?

T is for Turn

• If you were going down the road and someone asked you to turn, what would he or she be asking you to do? Turn (change direction) means repent. Turn away from sin and self. "Unless you repent, you will all perish as well!" –Luke 13:3

• Turn to Jesus alone as your Lord and Savior. "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." –John 14:6

• Here is the greatest news of all! "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation." –Romans 10:9-10

What happens if a person is willing to repent of their sins and confess Christ?

H is for Heaven

• Heaven is a place where we will live with God forever. "If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also." –John 14:3
• Eternal life begins now with Jesus. "I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance." –John 10:10

So, how can a person have God's forgiveness, eternal life, and heaven?

By trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord. You can do this right now by praying and asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins and inviting Him into your heart.

It can be a simple but honest and heartfelt prayer. Use your own words- nothing fancy. Accepting Christ is just the beginning of your own walk of faith and a wonderful adventure with God!

If you’ve prayed this prayer, the bible says you are “born again.” -John 3:1-7.

It is speaking about a spiritual birth (to be born of the Spirit).

Now what?

Get to know Him better in a number of ways:

• Follow Christ's example in baptism.
• Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
• In your church, get involved in a Bible study.
• Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.

Please feel free to ask me any questions. It would be my joy and honor to pray for you.