If You Died Tonight, Where Would You Spend Eternity?
Entrance into Heaven isn’t based on what we have done but on what God has done for us through Jesus Christ, his son. Salvation is God’s gift—a gift we do not deserve nor can ever earn by living an ‘upstanding life,’ performing good works, joining a church, or being a member of any other worthwhile organization.
These things cannot save you. Only God can!
Perhaps you’ve been searching, trying to find a way to fill an empty spot that seems to grow larger and deeper with each passing year, but no matter what you’ve attempted to plug the hole with, it was nothing but a temporary patch. Maybe you are spiraling out of control, and you don’t know where to turn for help. Or, perhaps you feel as though you have hit rock bottom. Maybe you’ve suffered something tragic—experienced loss and heartaches, believing you are alone. Whatever is happening in your life right now, the answer you’ve been looking for is as simple as this: Look up. God has been there all along, waiting for you.
But, I’ve committed too many sins, or the things I’ve done are too awful for God to love someone like me. This belief is untrue. Our heavenly father loves you with the greatest love there ever will be or has ever been—from the newborn baby to the inmate on death row. Nothing you have done can stop the love He has for you.
Forgiveness is within your grasp, reach out and take it.
The Bible tells us in 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.”
Did you catch those keywords? World—encompasses all of us, man, child, rich or poor. Whosoever—no matter your age, the color of your skin, your social status, what you have accomplished in life or failed, or whatever you have done—good or bad—it doesn’t matter. In God’s eyes, we are all the same. Believeth—accept that He is true and real. Perish—to die. Everlasting life—to live without end.
God tells us in order to go to Heaven, we must be born again. In John 3:7, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” The Bible (the word of God) gives us the plan of how to do that.
First, you must realize you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because we are sinners, we all fall short.
The Bible states that we became sinners through Adam’s transgression in the Garden of Eden. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world . . .” (Romans 5:12).
The Bible also tells us that because we are sinners, we are condemned to death. “For the wages (payment) of sin is death . . .” (Romans 6:23a). This encompasses not only physical death but eternal separation from God as well. (Revelation 20:14).
God’s word says the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was/is His remedy for sin. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). When Christ died on the Cross, He paid for all our sins and bridged the gulf separating us from God. Every single one of our sins was laid upon Jesus, and He became our substitute. But while he died, he didn´t remain in the grave, he conquered death and rose again. But, it is our responsibility to receive Jesus Christ personally. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10). This means that Christ´s death and resurrection alone was sufficient to pay the price for our sins. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13). “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” (John 1:12).
Receiving Christ as your savior isn’t complicated. Here’s what you need to do:
First, admit you are a sinner. Realize your sin has separated you from God. Be willing to turn from your sin. Next, believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and He rose in victory over death. And finally, accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.
When you speak—both audibly (clearly with your mouth) or silently—God hears you, so tell him what’s on your heart. Give him all of the things that are weighing you down and ask for his forgiveness and divine help. Believe and receive him into your life. But, if you’re unsure of what to say, you can pray something like this: Dear God, I am a sinner, please forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe you sent your son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you for loving me so much. I receive you as my Lord and Savior; please come into my heart and life and save me. In your name, I pray. Amen.