What it takes to go to heaven

In your personal opinion,
what do you understand it takes
for a person to go to heaven?

>Some people say that it is by doing good things.
>Some say if the good they do out weighs the bad.
>Some say it is by being religious or being a member of a church.

How does the Bible answer this question?

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

F is for FORGIVENESS
We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.

"In Him (meaning Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Ephesians 1:7a NKJV

A is for AVAILABLE
Forgiveness is available.

It is - AVAILABLE FOR ALL.
"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." John 3:16 NKJV

It is available for all - BUT NOT AUTOMATIC.
Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 7:21a NKJV

I is for IMPOSSIBLE
It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.

GOD IS LOVE.
"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." John 3:16 NKJV

But, GOD IS ALSO JUST.
"For judgement is without mercy" James 2:13a NKJV

MAN IS SINFUL.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23 NKJV

But how can a sinful person enter heaven, where God allows no sin?

The answer is found in T.

T is for TURN
If you were driving down the road and someone asked you to turn, what would he or she be asking you to do? (Change direction.)

The Bible uses the word repent to mean a turn or a change in direction.

Turn means repent.

TURN from something - sin and self.
"But unless you repent you will all likewise perish."
Luke 13:3b NKJV

TURN to Someone: trust Christ only.
"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried , and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3b-4 NKJV

"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has 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." Romans 10:9-10 NKJV

H is for HEAVEN
Heaven is eternal life . . .

HERE . . .
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 NKJV

And HEREAFTER.
"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:3 NKJV

HOW?
How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven, eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord?

FAITH can also mean . . .
"Forsaking All I Trust Him."

Understanding what we have shared, would you like to receive this forgiveness by trusting in Christ as your personal Savior and Lord?

Pray to accept Christ!!!
"Dear Lord Jesus, I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and that You arose from the grave. I now ask You to forgive me of my sins and to save my soul. Amen."

Pray for commitment / recommitment.
"Dear Jesus, thank You for saving my soul. I do not want to be ashamed of You. Instead, I want to publicly stand for You before my family, my friends, and my coworkers. I also want to stand before Your church, with other Christians, as soon as possible. Amen."

Now What!
"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Mark 8:38, NKJV

"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 10:32-33, NKJV

After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend or call or email me about the important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer's baptism and church membership. Grow in faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming a part of His church and attending a Sunday School class or fellowship group the church has just for you. You'll find others who will love and support you.