How to Go to Heaven

This is a summary of the purpose of your existence, the hopeless problem you face, the solution that God has provided, and the eternal life that is possible for you. My prayer is that you think deeply about these truths and that God would transform your heart to be saved and follow Jesus.

1/4 – Creation

In the Beginning (Genesis 1:1, 27; Psalm 139:14): The story of heaven begins with the act of Creation. The universe, in all its vastness and complexity, was spoken into existence by a purposeful and loving God. Humanity, formed from the dust and given the breath of life, was made in the very image of this Creator. Placed in a world brimming with beauty and life, humans were tasked to steward and enjoy this creation, living in harmony with God, each other, and their environment. This perfect beginning set the stage for a life of joy, purpose, and fellowship with the Creator, highlighting the inherent value and dignity bestowed upon humanity.

2/4 – Fall

The Tragedy of Sin (Romans 3:23, 6:23; Genesis 3; Matthew 25:46): When humanity chose to disobey God, sin entered the world, breaking our perfect relationship with our Creator and bringing about death and suffering. This fall had another grave consequence: eternal separation from God. The Bible speaks of this separation as hell, a place of unending torment for those who die without reconciling with God through Christ. Every human, tainted by sin, faced not just physical death but the prospect of this eternal separation, highlighting the dire need for salvation and the gravity of our spiritual condition.

3/4 – Redemption

The Gift of Salvation (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:17): In the midst of this darkness, God initiated a plan of redemption, a plan that was both unexpected and unfathomable. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. Jesus, fully divine yet fully human, lived a life of perfect obedience, a life that no fallen human could live. He then willingly suffered and died on a cross, bearing the full weight of humanity’s sin. This ultimate sacrifice served as the only sufficient payment for sin, satisfying the demands of divine justice. But death could not hold Him; He rose victoriously from the grave, conquering sin and death. This act of redemption offers forgiveness and new life to all who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus. Being ‘born again’ marks the beginning of a new life, characterized by a transformed heart and a restored relationship with God.

4/4 – Consummation

The Hope of Eternity (Revelation 21:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Romans 8:21-23): The story of redemption culminates in the glorious promise of consummation. In the end, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where the ravages of sin and death will be no more. This renewed creation will be the eternal home of those who have been redeemed by Christ. They will live in perfect fellowship with God, free from pain, suffering, and sorrow. The hope of this future consummation sustains believers through the trials and tribulations of this life. It is a vision of a restored world, where justice, peace, and joy reign eternally, and where God dwells among His people in unbroken communion.

The Call to Repentance and New Life

(Acts 3:19; John 3:3, 5; James 2:17; Matthew 7:20-21): This journey is not passive; it demands a response. Repentance—a heartfelt turning away from sin—is the first step. It’s accompanied by faith in Jesus Christ and a spiritual rebirth. This new life in Christ is not hidden but is evident in a life of obedience and good works, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a fruit of genuine faith.