|
What must I do to get to Heaven? (What must I do to be saved?)
First, we must recognize God's part in salvation. All men have sinned and deserve death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Yet, due to God's great love, He provided the way by which all our sins could be washed away. Romans 5:8 states, "But God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." In His death, Christ shed His blood which is powerful enough to wash away sins (Heb. 9:22; Eph. 1:7).
Second, salvation is not solely dependant upon God's love nor upon Christ's sacrifice. If this were so, all would be saved, regardless of their sins. Men have a part in salvation, too. There is something one must do in order to come into contact with that sin-cleansing blood of Christ - to become saved. The Bible teaches that one must hear God's word to develop pleasing faith (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6; John 8:24). Still, faith alone is not sufficient to become saved (James 2:17-26). Based upon faith, one must repent (a change of mind evidenced in a change of life) of every sin (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30). Having repented of sins, one must confess before men his faith - that he believes Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Rom. 10:10; Acts 8:37). Finally, in order to become saved, one must also be immersed (baptized) in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21). At this point, one's sins are washed away (Acts 22:16) and Jesus adds him to His church (Acts 2:47). The water doesn't wash away the sins but one's obedient faith culminating in immersion brings him into contact with Christ's blood which does wash away sins (Rom. 6:3-5; Rev. 1:5-6). It is at this point that one becomes saved.
Having now considered how the Bible answers this all-important question, have you done what is necessary in order to get to Heaven? Have you been saved?
We Must Hear The Word of God
Romans 10:17 -- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We Must Believe The Word of God
Hebrews 11:6 -- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
We Must Repent of Our Sins
Acts 2: 38 -- Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We Must Confess That Jesus is the Son of God Â
Romans 10:10 -- For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation.
We Must be Baptized for the Remission of Sins
Mark 16:16 -- He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
We Must Continue in Faithful Service to God
Revelation 2:10b -- Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
2 Peter 3:18 -- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
|
