How do I get to heaven?

How do I get to heaven surely must be the most important question anyone can ask.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

The question is, what does it mean to believe, and what am I supposed to believe? Even the demons “believe” in Jesus, and they fear Him, but you won’t see them in heaven! (Jas. 2:19)

The word “believe” is found in the Gospel of John ninety-six times, more than any other book of the Bible. The word translated “believe” in the English Bible comes from the Greek word pisteuo, and is used as a verb; it’s an action word! It means:

1. Tto believe in,
2. to trust in,
3. To rely upon Christ alone for your salvation.

The word “believe” is derived from the same root word as the word faith. To believe in Jesus means to have faith in Jesus.

 And without faith it is impossible to please {Him}  for all who come to God must believe that He is, and {that} He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Heb. 11:6

And after He had come into the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Be it done to you according to your faith.” Matt. 9:28-29

“In the Hebrew language, there is no word for faith, apart from the idea of faithfulness. In our being faithful to Him we find the purpose for which we were created. That is not bondage, that is liberating. Our faithfulness to Him is the key that unlocks the treasure of all that He has given to us.” Ravi Z.

So what does it mean to have faith?

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of  Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Cor. 4:1-2

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master. Matt 25:21

Genuine faith in Jesus results in a life of faithfulness to Jesus. Who were the epistles written to? “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of  God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and {who are} faithful in Christ Jesus.” Eph.1:1 The question now becomes, what does it mean to be faithful?

He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36 (NASB)

When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15

Please note, when we talk about obeying God’s commandments, we are talking about obeying your heavenly father from a heart of loving gratitude, not justification by works! We do not obey Jesus to get saved. Loving obedience is the result of our salvation, never the cause of it!

This article is based on a chapter in my book, “God’s Master Plan of Salvation”

It’s available on our website at, www.voice-wilderness.org

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PTL!

Phil