Salvation - How to go to heaven
Do you know what it takes to get from earth to heaven? We would like to take moment to talk with you about that path. The path that changes lives and makes the world a better place to live in.
God, the father of all creations, sent His Son Jesus to earth. There was no one that was worthy enough to cover the sins of all mankind except for the pure blood of Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus was sent to earth. Jesus was placed in the womb of a virgin named Mary. (Matthew 1:16 "and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.)
He was born and from that moment on Satan (The Devil) was using people to try to kill Him. In fact many died in the search to kill the young child. (Matthew 2:16 "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.) (Read about these events in Matthew, Mark & Luke. By the way Luke was also a doctor. So his telling of the events is really great) This took place over 2000 years ago.
Jesus grew up and became the greatest teacher to ever walk the planet. He went on to die at a young age after only being in ministry for a few years. He was arrested, a mock trial was conducted and he was sentenced to death to be crucified.
During the 12 hours leading up to his death on the cross what he went through for you and I was horrible and cruel. But these things took place to fulfill scriptures many that were foretold 500 to 1,200 years earlier in prophecy by people like Noah, David and others. (Bible Old Testament)
Every thing that had been foretold had happened leading up to the cross. Jesus is now dead. One of the prophecies were that Jesus would rise from the dead in three days. So soldiers were placed at the entrance of the tomb to make sure that no one disturb or steal His body. But just as predicted, Jesus arose. He had victory or death and the grave.
He then met and talked with people after he arose and later descended up into heaven. I personally have been a Christian for 32 years. One of the regrets I have is that I did not give more of myself to helping witness about Jesus over the years. It is vital, it is about eternity. Life after we die. Where we spend forever. With God in heaven or in Hell separated from God. But God provides us the answers and help.
Being saved is done through prayer. God the Father is in heaven and Jesus His Son is setting at his right hand. All prayers to the father must go through Jesus. (John 14:6 Jesus answered, " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.)
1. Now lets back up and talk about you. Everyone has sinned and needs God's forgiveness. Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." God's forgiveness is in Jesus only. Ephesians 1:7 : "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." Before Jesus came, people would sacrifice animals at the alter, and the blood would be shed for the remission of sins." Christ took the place of those animal sacrifices, where now we are covered by His blood that was shed for us on Calvary, if we ask God to forgive us of our sins.
2. God's forgiveness is available for all. John 3;16: "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." According to the Bible, it is impossible to get to heaven on our own. Ephesians 2:8-9: "By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift - not from works, so that no one can boast."
3. Here is what you need to do to have this life changing, new beginning, new direction in your life. You must first admit that you are a sinner like all of us Christians have done. Next you must repent from those sins. Turn away from those sins. Luke 13:3: "Unless you repent, you will all perish as well."
In the book of Romans 10:9-10 it says: "If you confess with your mouth , 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from he dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation."
This is what you do: Repeat this prayer and believe in it: Father, I have sinned against you and I ask for your forgiveness, I believe that your Son Jesus died for me and three days later he arose. That I am cleansed of my sins through his shed blood. I ask for Jesus to live in my heart, and I pray this in the name of Jesus, amen!
Congratulations, you are saved. No hoops to jump through or anything crazy. God provided the way and gives us a direct link to Himself through His Son Jesus. We are saved by grace through our faith. Next follow Christ example in baptism, and then get connected with a Bible teaching church where you can worship God, and grow in your walk with Him.
Please drop us an email or call us with questions concerning your new walk with Christ. Get yourself a Bible if you don't have one and I recommend that you start with Matthew, the first book of the new testament and then when you finish it, go to the beginning of the Bible and start there and read your way through the Bible, front to back. Find a good study group and a church that worships God, teaches about Him and fellowships.
You can contact us via email at mastermedia@stinsonpress.com or bates@stinsonpress.com or via phone at 686-6011 locally or 800-521-0354 Toll-Free and ask for Dwayne or Dale. May God bless you richly on your new journey.