The Bible presents a clear way to heaven.  First, you must understand that you are a sinner and separated from God: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).  We have all done things that are dishonoring to God, which makes us deserving of punishment.  Since our sin is ultimately against an eternal God, only an eternal punishment is sufficient. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

What hope is there for sinful man?  We needed an acceptable substitute; someone to pay our sin debt.  God became man in order to live a perfect life and die as the payment for sin.  Jesus Christ, the sinless, Son of God accomplished this work (I Peter 2:22; John 1:1,14).  Romans 5:8 states: "But God commendeth [proved] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the sinner's debt (John 19:31-42), taking the punishment that we deserved (II Corinthians 5:21).  Three days later, He rose from the grave (I Corinthians 15:1-4), demonstrating His victory over sin and death.  Scripture proclaims - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (I Peter 1:3).

How can this gracious gift of the forgiveness of sin and being a child of God become a reality in your life?  By faith, you must acknowledge that you have sinned.  This isn't simply admitting that you realize this fact, but that you are guilty of rebellion against God.  Admitting this, you repent of your sin.  To repent is to renounce being your own master and turn in whole-hearted faith in Christ for salvation (Acts 3:19).  If you place your faith in Him, trusting His death on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins, you will be forgiven and promised eternal life in heaven.  One of the most familiar verses in the Bible says - "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" (John 3:16).  Romans 10:9 gives an equally clear word about salvation - "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."  Faith alone in the finished work of Christ on the cross is the only true way to heaven!  The truth of salvation being wholly by the grace of God is clear from 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."

If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the following is a sample prayer.  Remember - simply saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you.  It is only trusting in Christ alone that can save you from sin.  This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation.  "God, I know that I have sinned against You and am deserving of punishment.  But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I can be forgiven.  I turn from my sin and going my own way and place my trust in You for salvation.  Lord Jesus - please come into my heart.  I receive You as my personal Lord and Savior.  Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness and for the gift of eternal life!  Amen!"
 

Have you made a decision for Christ, or do you have a question about what is presented here?  If so, please let us know by e-mailing theway@redbridgebaptist.org.