The Gospel Message
In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to Heaven? Many people believe that what they do or don't do here on earth determines whether or not they will go to Heaven. In other words, they believe that their works will get them there. Yet other people believe it is their affiliation with a church or other organization that will determine their eternal destiny. Sadly, many people are unclear as to how to get to Heaven and some have no idea at all. Where do you fit in? The only ONE sure way to know is to look at God's Word. Let's examine what the Bible says.

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

The F in FAITH is for FORGIVENESS: We cannot have eternal life without forgiveness.

"In Him (Jesus) we have redemption thorough His blood, the forgiveness of sin, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Ephesians 1:7

The A is for AVAILABLE: Forgiveness 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

 

Although forgiveness is available, it is not automatic.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 7:21a

Why is this so? God can not allow sin into Heaven.

The I is for IMPOSSIBLE: It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven for two reasons; Because of who HE is and who we are.

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

God is just.

"Because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." James 2:13a

Man is sinful.

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

So the question now becomes "how can a sinful person enter heaven where God allows no sin"? The answer is that a person must turn or repent.

T is for TURN: If you were going down the road and someone asked you to turn, what would they be asking you to do? They would be telling you to turn toward something or away from something.

To truly know Jesus, you have to be willing to turn from sin and self:

"But unless you repent, you will all perish." Luke 13:3

Turn to Someone; trust Christ only:

"... Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"... 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

H is for HEAVEN: Heaven is eternal life.

You can have Heaven Here --

"I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b

 

And You can have Heaven Hereafter --

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am." John 14:3

 

So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as their personal savior and Lord?

"..if you confess with your month, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

 

Understanding what has been presented here, you can receive this forgiveness by trusting in Christ has your personal Savior and Lord. All you have to do is pray this simple prayer:

 

"Dear 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."

 

If you prayed this prayer, we at Bethany would like to hear from and speak with you. Please call us at 334-222-5551 or e-mail the pastor at church@bethany-baptist.net.  Thanks and may God bless!