Everyone would like to go to Heaven when they die. However, the sad truth is that not everyone will do so. Fortunately, the Bible tells us exactly how we can have our sins forgiven and live forever with Jesus in Heaven. The verses below explain the Bible way of salvation.
1. We are all sinners.
Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
God's Word reminds us over and over that we are sinners. We have all fallen short of God's requirements, for at one time or another, we have all deliberately chosen to disobey God. Sin includes wrong thoughts, words, and actions, such as lust, greed, pride, swearing, lying, or stealing.
2. There is a punishment for sin.
Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death; …
A wage is a payment. The payment for our sin is death, which includes separation from God in a place that the Bible calls Hell. The Bible talks about two deaths. One is the physical death referred to in Romans 5:12 (See Point 1); the other is a spiritual death that we see in Romans 6:23 and Revelation 21:8.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
According to God’s Word, all unsaved sinners will go to Hell when they die as punishment for their sins. This is not because God is mean or nasty, it is because He is a God of justice who cannot permit anyone to get away with breaking His law.
So far we have talked about bad news; now let me tell you some good news!
3. Jesus took the punishment for sin in our place.
Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The word commendeth means "showed”." God showed His love for us by giving His own Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. We deserve to go to Hell, but Jesus took the punishment for us so that we don’t have to.
4. God loves us and wants to save us.
John 3:16-18 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
God WANTS to save us from the penalty of our sins. He loves us so much that He died for us!
1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
5. Salvation comes when we believe on Jesus and receive Him as our personal Saviour. It occurs at a definite time and place.
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
To believe on Jesus Christ as Savior means to believe that He died for us and rose again three days later, believe that He paid the price for our sin, and believe that He is the only way to Heaven. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power* to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Receiving Jesus means accepting Him as our personal Saviour. It is done through prayer, not communion or baptism (these are symbols of salvation, according to the Bible).
*The word “power” means authority, or the right.
6. Salvation is a free gift of God to you. It was already paid for on the cross.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Think of Christmas or your birthday. Everyone likes receiving gifts! Obviously, a gift cannot be earned. Unfortunately, many today are trying to earn their way into Heaven. This is not the Bible way to be saved. One cannot work their way to Heaven by going to church, getting baptized, taking communion, or doing good works. The only way to get to Heaven is by trusting in the finished work of Christ which he accomplished by dying on the cross in our place.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
7. God will save anyone who wants to be saved.
Romans 10:9-12 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. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. How?
Romans 10:12-13 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
You can express your belief on Jesus by calling on Him in prayer.
Would you like to receive Jesus right now?
Let us help you word a prayer. (Realize that it's not mere words that save, but your faith in Jesus Christ.)
"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross and paid the penalty for my sin. I believe that you rose from the dead three days later. I am placing my faith in you alone to forgive my sin and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal life, in Jesus' name I pray, AMEN."
If you made a decision to trust Christ as your Saviour after reading this, we would like to know so that we might rejoice with you, pray for you and send you some more information. Simply fill out the form below and we will be in contact soon!