The Sinner, the Gospel & the Only Way to Heaven

I’ve heard and read so many saying that if a person lived a good life, or did many good things during their lifetime, or was an active member of a church they will be in heaven when they die.

In fact, some churches are preaching that everyone is inherently good, and because of our goodness, and because God loves us, we will go to heaven.

Dear reader, has anyone taken the Bible and shown you how you can KNOW you’re going to heaven?

May I?

THE SINNER

Every single human is born a sinner, and no one is inherently good because of this condition.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23

As sinners, we fail to live up to God’s perfect standard (for example: harsh words, lies, and selfishness) and deserve God’s anger and punishment.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

THE GOSPEL

Because we have sinned, we deserve to die and be separated from God forever. The Bible identifies that place of separation as hell. But out of His love for us, God gave His Son to take our punishment.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

Jesus rose from the dead three days later defeating death and sin. It is only through faith by believing in His resurrection we can be saved.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16

“that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Jesus did not mean “whosoever goes to church, is baptized, helps the poor, or tries to live a good life.” Whosoever is not just the wealthy business person, the pastor at church, the volunteer at school, the alcoholic, or the struggling single parent—it’s every single one of us. 

The word believe means to “trust.” Knowing about Jesus is not enough. We have to place our trust in Christ alone to save us – as our only way to heaven

Is there anything keeping you from trusting in Christ right now?

A SINNER’S PRAYER (written by John Barnett)

If you’re in need of what to say, pray this prayer:

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do to save myself. I confess my complete helplessness to forgive my own sin or to work my way to heaven. At this moment I trust Christ alone as the One who bore my sin when He died on the cross. I believe that He did all that will ever be necessary for me to stand in your holy presence. I thank you that Christ was raised from the dead as a guarantee of my own resurrection. As best as I can, I now transfer my trust to Him. I am grateful that He has promised to receive me despite my many sins and failures. Father, I take you at your word. I thank you that I can face death now that you are my Savior. Thank you for the assurance that you will walk with me through the deep valley. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.