How do you get to Heaven?

This is a good question. It seems that there are a lot of different opinions about this topic.

Some say that there is no way to really know. Others say you just have to do good and God will let you into heaven. Some believe that as long as you don't commit certain sins like murdered or burglary, you are fine, and God will let you into heaven. The Catholics have their way in, the Calvinists have their way, the Jehovah's witnesses have their way in. I am here to tell you that all of these are wrong. There are people who have committed shocking heinous crimes that are in heaven. There are also "very good people" that are right now burning in hell. It is a horrifying thought I know, but it is reality. I am here to tell you that the only way to get to heaven is by Jesus Christ. Not just believing that he existed, but believing that he came here to pay for everyone's sins. It is believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that gets us to heaven. There is nothing we could ever do that could earn our way to heaven, and there is nothing we can do to loose it once we get it. Yes, salvation is eternal and it is a one time event. You can not get to heaven being good, you have to be perfect. Every human that has ever existed is anything but perfect. They have all committed many sins even the most holy, righteous people, still sin. One sin is enough to send a person to hell. Heaven is sinless and perfect and if a person entered with their sinful nature they would defile it. We need Christ's shed blood to wash us of our sins. Now lets look at some scriptures to back up what I am saying.

I Corinthians 15

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Matthew 26

28 this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Hebrews 9

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Why do we need Jesus blood as payment for our sins? Because it is pure and holy and can cleanse us of all our sins. For in the blood there is life. Leviticus 17:11. Under the law of the Old Testament sheep, goats, bulls, and other animals were sacrificed for the sins of the people. Sin is no joke in the eyes of God. He wanted people to stop doing it, so he showed them the severity of it, by having to watch an innocent life get taken, for what they did. These animals were just symbolic of what Jesus would ultimately do, because we could not change our sinful nature. Sacrificing himself as payment for everybody's sins. This is the only payment the Father would accept. There is good news, just believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and you can have eternal life.

John 3

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Romans 1

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 5

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Here are more examples of Gods free gift of salvation. Being saved by Gods grace and mercy. Every person is given a measure of faith Romans 12:3. It is what they choose to put their faith in. Is it Jesus or themselves? That is what it boils down too. We are not saved by faith, but by Gods grace. It is up to us to put our faith in that, not in ourselves.

Ephesians 2

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast

Again, another clear cut case of being save by grace. Self righteous people like to call it greasy grace, which is blasphemous, go figure. They say it is slippery and will cause people to fall. They like to say that grace is just a "license to sin". No it is not! The Bible from Genesis to Revelation is full of examples of what God does to disobedient believers. He punishes them and chastens them with a rod of iron. Lost people like to trust in themselves for salvation, because who else could do it? They like to lift themselves up and feel important. They like to feel like they are doing something and in control of their own life.

I Corinthians 1

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

What will become of people that trust in their good works to get them saved. I mean they were good people, living good lives, doing good works. God has to at least consider them worthy right? Lets see what scriptures say.

Matthew 7

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

From the mouth of Jesus himself. The new testament condemns these people, often pointing out the Pharisees and the Sadducees that killed Jesus. These were ultra religious law keepers who were quick to shed innocent blood, when their authority was challenged. These people also tried to bring the Jewish law into the Christian church confusing new believers. Here Paul response to this in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 11

6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

This sort of thing was happening every where the gospel was preached. People wanted to add to it, it was just to easy, and it is the same way today. People want to be responsible for their own salvation. It really boils down to pride, which God hates by the way. Don't be deceived by these people. Study the scriptures and see for yourself. Arm yourself with the word of God when the enemy attacks. Well I hope this cleared up any confusion. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog and God bless.