Most people want to go to heaven when they die. Therefore, they come up with various ways to attain their goal. But the Bible says that “There is a way that always seems right unto a man; but in the end, that choice leads to the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25 (Adapted). Below are four helpful Bible facts that will point us in the right direction.
FACT 1: GOD IS HOLY AND JUST
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all". (1 John 1:5); Paul encountered this glorious light on the Damascus Road, Acts 9:3.
GOD’S GLORY & HOLY STANDARD IS REVEALED IN THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, (EXODUS 20:1-17); AND SUMMARIZED IN THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS, (MATTHEW 22:36-40).
Because of His Holiness, God cannot turn a blind eye to any thought, speech, or action that is contrary to His Holy Standard. The Bible says that God:
“...will by no means clear the guilty” Exodus 34:7;
“will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil," Eccl. 12:14;
"God is angry with the wicked every day." (Psalm 7:11)
FACT 2: HUMAN BEINGS ARE SINFUL
SIN is:
A HIDDEN INNER PRINCIPLE (Psl. 51:5; Jer. 17:9-10; Rom.7:17-18); &
A VISIBLE OUTER PRACTICE (...sin is transgression of the Law" 1John 3:4; Rom.3:10-18, 23;
Thus, sin is the evil heart principle that causes Mankind to think, speak, act, and react Contrary to God's Holy Standard. This inner principle makes it humanly impossible to perfectly obey the Law. N.B. Rom.7:17-18; & James 2:10: BREAK ONE = BREAK WHOLE
Further, God Sees Every Transgression of His Law (1 Jhn. 3:4); and Places them on Record (Rev. 20:12).
FACT 3: GOD’S JUST PENALTY FOR HUMAN SIN IS DEATH
DEATH is the only response that Our Holy & Righteous God has to Sin. DEATH IS GOD'S WAY OF SEPARATING HIMSELF FROM OUR SIN! (Rom. 6:23a).
The Destiny of All Sinners is Physical and Spiritual Death (Rom. 6:23a; Rev. 20:14-15) i.e. Hell & the Fiery Lake
FACT 4: GOD'S MERCIFUL PROVISION FOR HUMAN SIN IS JESUS
God in LOVE and MERCY Accepts Jesus' Sacrificial Death on Calvary as Payment for Our Sin Penalty; if we ask Him. He also gives us Eternal Life!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His... Son..." John 3:16 "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6: 23b; "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us..." (Ephesians 2:4).
N.B. GOD’S PROVISION ALSO COMES AS A COMMAND TO OBEY! N.B. 2 Thessalonians 1:8
MANKIND’S RESPONSE
1. REJECT GOD’S GRACIOUS PROVISION; OR 2. BY FAITH ACCEPT GOD’S GRACIOUS PROVISION.
“…whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. Rom. 10:12-13
In order to know God, escape Hell, and receive the gift of eternal life; you can take the following steps:
1. ADMIT THAT WE ARE SINNERS – “...all have sinned...” Rom 3:23; "... heart is ...wicked..." Jer.17:9
2. ACCEPT GOD’S SALVATION GIFT – “...gift of God is eternal life...” Rom. 6:23
Thereafter, TRUST & OBEY JESUS DAY BY DAY – “...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God...” Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:12-13; 2 Pet. 1:10.
"Heavenly Father, I understand that I have broken Your Law and sinned against You. Please forgive my sins. Thank You that Christ Jesus suffered on the cross in my place. I now place my trust in Jesus as My Saviour and obey Him daily as my Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
If you decided to receive Jesus today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
GET BAPTIZED as commanded by Christ.
TELL SOMEONE else about your new faith in Christ.
SPEND TIME WITH GOD EACH DAY. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and understanding of the Bible.
SEEK FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.