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What's this free gift about? See Ephesians 2:8-9 below.
What does it take to get heaven? Let us share with you how the Bible answers this question. It's not by going to church. It's not by being baptized. It's not based on how many good things you do.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
The way to get to heaven is a free gift. God has given us a free gift in His Son, Jesus Christ. Keep reading to find out how to accept God's gift.
Did you know that God loves you and created you for a purpose? That's right, the Creator of the universe has a purpose for YOU! He knows you, and He desires to have a relationship with you. In spite of your mistakes and your sins, He continues to love you and draw you toward Him.
There is a word that can be used to understand this gift, FAITH.
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.
Available - God's forgiveness is available. It is available to everyone. "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. But forgiveness is not automatic.
Impossible - It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. God is holy, just, and love. Man is sinful. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. How can a sinful person enter heaven, where God allows no sin?
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. Turn from your sin and self ("But unless you repent you will all likewise perish" Luke 13:3b) and turn to Someone. Trust Jesus 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 "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" Romans 10:9.
Heaven - Heaven is eternal life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" John 10:10b. "And 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.
So, how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? Jesus died willingly on the cross not because He had to, but by His choice. He took your place, taking your punishment.
To become a Christian, pray to God in your own words. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and ask for His forgiveness. Believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and rose from the dead three days later. Invite Him into your life to be the Lord, or boss, of your life. This begins a new relationship between yourself and God. This can be illustrated with another FAITH acrostic:
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
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. Romans 10:9
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13
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