How to Get to Heaven

Waze won’t.  Google maps won’t either.  No, the atlas won’t either. They can’t give you directions to Heaven.

But we want directions.  We want reliable directions.  You can’t just go ‘til you run into it.  It doesn’t work that way.  We need directions from someone with knowledge.

God has done just that.  He has clearly stated what He’s already done as well as what we must do.  There are no secret routes or impassable closed roads.

First, we must acknowledge our own sin.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).  Second, realize God requires payment.  “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).  I have nothing to make that payment.  I need a Savior – someone who paid for all sin.  “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”  (1 Pet 3:18a) Yes, Christ died for my sin.  He is the perfect sacrifice or payment.  I must accept Christ as my savior by faith.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).  “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31a).   “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).  Yes, it sounds too easy, but it’s not.

These simple steps get you to Heaven.  But it’s not the end of the journey. 

You will receive the Holy Spirit – he will help you in many ways.  He will live in you and explain and remind us of what God’s Word says.  He will seal you and change you from the inside out. 

You will sin.  You do not become perfect.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Acts 3:19).  Repent means turn around.  Stop the sin and accept God’s forgiveness. 

You can believe God’s road map.  After all, He’s God and we are His creation and Heaven is His.  Along the way we will have challenges.  The Christian life has trouble, just as the non-Christian’s way. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world, you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  But you’ve taken care of your biggest need – eternity!  There are blessings along the way.  The Bible has so much more information to help us understand this new life.  It’s a great place to start.  Get connected with a Bible-believing church and seek a mentor to help you with questions.

This is an individual journey.  Each person has to do each step.  Make sure your loved ones know the way. Share God’s directions.  I promise you will be glad you do.