I want you to think deeply and imagine a world without GOD.
What does it look like to you?
Does it look like the present state of the world?
If not, how would it differ?
I see a very dark, chaotic, and lawless place. A place that does not respect life. A place that is void and unsafe. A place where we yearn for a hero.
A hero who can…
Rescue us from a godless society
Give us hope
Change darkness to light
Defeat the evil
Allow good to prevail
Take us to a place where there is warmth, security, pace and unconditional love
That hero is Jesus. He is our champion. He shall save us from this world. He will take us to a place where there is no more suffering, death or evil.
That place is called Heaven.
Recently I was asked by the kids in our Sunday bible class these two questions….
Who created GOD?
And
How do I get to Heaven?
To answer the first question…God is a being.... He is, was and is to come. {Rev 1:8}
Now for the second question…. first the incorrect answers from the world’s perspective
Be a Good person - don't drink, smoke or curse
Be Nice - help people cross the street
Be aware of GOD - recognize the existence of GOD, obey Ten Commandments
Be a Success
Be popular
Be a philanthropist, give to the poor
Do church disciplines like pray, attend church, contribute to the church
None of these secure a passage to Heaven.
So how do we know we are going to Heaven?
Relationship with Jesus - this relationship is mutual. It must exist, grow and thrive.
John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
2. Accept Jesus as LORD
Rom 10:9-10 “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
The plan of Salvation - Hear His word. Believe, Repent, Confess, Be baptized and Remain Faithful.
3. Trust that GOD forgives us of our sins - trust is an essential part of a healthy relationship.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
If we cannot believe that GOD shall wipe away every debt, who can you believe?
4. Hope in GOD’s faithfulness
Isa 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
God promises to forgive us if we turn to HIM. Once He forgives the sin is wiped clean.
5. Be Born Again
John 3:1-6 “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night and said unto him, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from GOD, for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except GOD be with Him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of GOD. Nicodemus saith unto Him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of GOD. That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit.”
Get rid of the old or distractions that prevent us from yielding our lives to GOD. Clean your heart.
6. Obey GOD - not to be compliant but because of your love for GOD
Rom 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
7. Accept the New YOU - fill the cleaned out area with godliness and Christian virtues such as
Obey GOD’s instructions
Seek a wholesome Christian life
Attend church
Pray regularly
Help, teach and serve others
Love GOD and neighbors
Use our skills and resources for GOD
Study GOD’s Word
Relent to Holy Spirit
Grow in HIS love
We can be certain that we are going to Heaven. As certain as the sun rises and sets
We are certain because of three descriptors:
Hope, Faith and Love - the essence of the Christian living
So to answer the boys question: How do we know we are going to Heaven?
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 abides on him.”
We know because we believe in Jesus.
How do I know that I am going to Heaven?
I know because GOD promised that for HIS children!
(Mic Drop)
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