What we Believe
Do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in Heaven?
If God were to ask you,” Why should I let YOU into My Heaven,” what would you say?
If you are uncertain or hesitant for a moment to answer that question, we have the best news you could ever hear! The few minutes it will take you to read the following may be the most important time you will ever spend!
The Bible tells how we can know for sure that we have eternal life and will go to be with God in Heaven.
“These things I have written to you … that you may know that you have eternal life.” I John 5:13
Here’s how you can know for sure and claim your free gift of salvation:
1. Heaven (Eternal Life with Christ) is a free gift!
The Bible says, “. . . the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23b).
Because Heaven and salvation are gifts, they are not earned or deserved. Therefore, no amount of personal effort, good works or religious deeds can earn for you a place in Heaven.
“By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8.9
Why is it that no one can earn his way to heaven? Because...
2. Man is a sinner.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory, of God.” Romans 3:23
Sin is transgressing God’s law and includes such things as lying, lust, cheating. deceit, anger, evil thoughts, immoral behavior and more. Because of this, man cannot save himself. If you wanted to save yourself by good deeds, the Bible says you would have to be perfect.
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
With such a high standard, no one can save himself for God also says, “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
In spite of our sin, ...
3. God is merciful and does not want to punish us.
This is because “God is love…” I John 4:8b and He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3b
But, the same Bible that tells us God loves us also tells us God is just, and therefore must punish sin.
He says,“I will by no means clear the guilty” Exodus 34:7b
“The soul who sins shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4
We have all sinned and the penalty for sin is death. We need forgiveness so that we can have a right relationship with God. God solved this problem for us in the Person of…
4. Jesus Christ
Who exactly is Jesus Christ?
The Bible tells us clearly that He is the infinite GOD-MAN.
“In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) … and the Word (Jesus) was with God … and the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us. . .” John 1:1,14
Jesus Christ came to earth and, in spite of temptation, He lived a sinless life.
He then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and rose from the grave to purchase a place for us in heaven.
“All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, every, one, to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6
God hates our sins but because of His love for us, He has placed them all on His Son. Christ bore our sin on the cross. Jesus paid the price for us. Three days later, He rose from the dead—showing that He had triumphed over sin and death once and for all. Jesus Christ now offers you eternal life as a free gift. This gift is received by…
5. Faith
Faith is the key that opens the door to heaven. Many people mistake two things for saving faith:
- First, mere intellectual assent, that is, believing certain historical facts. The Bible says the devil and demons believe in God and tremble. So, believing in God is not a saving faith.
- Second, mere temporal faith, that is, trusting God for temporary crises such as financial, family or physical needs.
Saving Faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It means resting upon Christ alone and what He has done rather than what you or I have done to get us into Heaven.
“Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. . .” Acts 16:31a
We don’t deserve the gift of eternal life. But, we can have it if we will receive it by faith.
You have just read the greatest story ever told about the greatest offer ever made by the greatest Person who ever lived – Jesus Christ.
The question that God is asking you now is…
Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?
This is such an important matter. Let us clarify what this involves. It means, first, that you transfer your trust from what you have been doing to what Christ has done for you on the cross. You then receive the resurrected, living Christ into your life as your only Savior.
He says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock [at the door of your life]. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” Revelation 3:20
It means further that you receive Jesus Christ into your life as Lord. He comes as Master and King. There is a throne room in your heart and that throne is rightly His.
He made you, He paid the price for you and He wants to take His rightful place on the throne of your life. You must repent of and turn away from your sins. That means that you are willing to turn from anything you have been doing that is not pleasing to Him and to trust and follow Him as He reveals His perfect will to you in His Word.
You can go to God in prayer right where you are. You can receive His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ right now.
“…with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation … for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10: 10, 13
If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call on Him, asking Him for this gift right now.
Here is a suggested prayer:
“Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust totally in you for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life.”
If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him.
“Most assuredly, I say to you., he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” John 6:47
WELCOME to God’s Family!
If you have truly repented (forsaken, turned away) from your sins, placed your trust in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and received the gift of eternal life, you are now a child of God! Forever! Welcome to the Family of God!
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
Today is your spiritual birthday, a day that you will always want to remember!
“Who were born, not of blood, nor of the Will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. ” John 1:13
What is next?
Just as a newborn baby grows physically, so you will grow spiritually by taking the following steps:
- Get baptized.
Immersion was an important part of the Jewish faith and important to the church. Baptism is not the act of salvation, but it is an act of obedience and a public testimony telling the world that your old life (with you in charge) is dead and buried with Christ and you are raised a new creation with Jesus as your Lord. - Read one chapter of the Book of John in the BIBLE each day.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word (of God), that you may grow thereby.” I Peter 2:22. - Spend time each day in prayer conversing with God, building a relationship with Him.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 - Worship regularly in a church that teaches you the Bible and honors Jesus Christ.
"I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord” Psalm 122:1 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 - Fellowship with Christians
who will help you grow in faith.
“Those who gladly received his, word … continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:41,42 - Be a witness by telling others what Jesus Christ means to you!
Jesus said, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before My Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32,33 - Regularly attend a Bible-teaching church where Jesus Christ is honored.
Confess your faith in Christ to them and join their fellowship. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…" Hebrews 10:25
If you have appreciated the GOOD NEWS you have just read, please let us know. We want to rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you grow spiritually. Please call or write to us. We would like to talk to you about the importance of being Baptized and we have some free literature we would like to share with you as you begin your daily walk with Jesus!