Question: Is there any way I can be sure that I will go to heaven when I die?
Answer: Yes, absolutely!
The Bible, God’s words of truth to us, assures us of His eternal salvation He offers for our souls. The soul is the part of us He created to live on forever, even after our earthly existence. However, living forever with God in heaven in the future is not automatic when we are born. Entering God’s family is a choice you must consciously make. Sadly, not everyone accepts His free gift. They think they must spend a lifetime earning their way there. That’s simply not possible! And we should be glad.
First, let’s look at the reasons that are definitely NOT signs or proof of our heavenly destination:
- I attend church. I even teach Sunday school.
- My parents and grandparents were Christians.
- My family brought me up in church.
- I know many Bible verses.
- I give money to the church/a charity/the poor, etc.
- I work hard to be good so God will accept me.
Now, here’s what WILL insure your acceptance into heaven. When your mind and heart are ready, you say:
Jesus, I accept your gift of your sacrifice on the cross for me. God accepted your blood to pay the penalty for my sins, and now I know am forgiven. I believe you are God’s Son and that you died, were resurrected to life, and are now with God in heaven, ready for me to join you in the future! Thank you! I want to follow you and have you guide me for the remainder of my earthly life.
If you’ve already asked Jesus to be the Master of your life, you may be having doubts that you are really a part of His family. You felt close to God in the past, but now, you’re not sure. One thing is certain: Feelings can’t be trusted! The answer is to look at the facts. You knew God was convincing your heart to turn from your sins and began to follow Him. You may have told Jesus this privately or shared your decision with others. The Bible proves that when you trusted Him to come into your life, you became a new person who will gradually be changed into someone with qualities like Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth that they were brand-new creations by God when they became Christians:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
What holds us back from feeling assured, at times, is our own disconnect from God, or Jesus. He is still with you, even when you stray from spending time with Him in prayer. Praying or talking with Him every day, reading the Bible, and talking with other Christians is how God keeps us close to Him and progressing toward goals He has designed for us. Remembering these ways of communication with Him will move us forward and increase our understanding and our trust in Him. Paul called it, “renewing our minds”.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
When you ask Jesus into your life to save you, HE DOES…for forever! And you can be sure that you have been “sealed up for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30
Jesus has these final words on the subject:
“For God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never die; no one is able to snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28
