how to go to heaven according to the bible

Some of these include the following: Each individual has been given a choice as to where they will spend the afterlife. Dont you want to be sure that you will go to heaven after you pass away? Copyright 2023 Answers for Everyone. He is incapable of breaking his laws, the Ten Commandments . Many people are skeptical as to whether heaven is a real, physical place or just a fairytale. If they do so, they will spend eternity in Heaven. If you reject God's salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ, then you are destined for hell: 16 For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. If you choose to reject or deny your need for a Saviour, you will not receive the great gift of eternal life in heaven. It is where the angels dwell in service and worship. No good deeds, no chants, no sacrifices are enough. God's throne is also mentioned in connection with the mountain of God (Ezekiel 28:16). Please contact an attorney for advice about your individual situation and related deadlines. As a man, Jesus experienced the trouble of human existence in a sin cursed world and was tempted to sin. The Book of Acts contains many miraculous events, and this certainly appears to be one such miracle. It's all thoroughly biblical. It would be like trying to explain Einstein's theory of relativity to a baby. All Rights Reserved. Some mornings I would rather do almost anything than tape the daily broadcast. 12 As a result, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. How Does Someone Get To Heaven. Although there are many passages that speak to this topic, this list includes just a few to get you started on your research. Benedict XVI recalled this fact on the solemnity of the Epiphany as he commented on the star that guided the Magi. I am going there to prepare a place for you. Heaven is the place where God dwells. Short answer: So many you won't be able to count. We dare not distort the gospel in such a way that we promise sinners heaven on earth, with popularity and prosperity guaranteed. First, a person is saved from their sin. We too are men, with human natures just like you! Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. If that was true for Jesus, it is true for you too! For me, self-sufficiency isnt much of a temptation. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility - not willingly but because of God who subjected it - in hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God's children. I suspect that Lazarus and Paul are the men whom we would want to ask about their after death experiences when we get to heaven.1. So dont make decisions by yourself. To be at home in this physical body is to be absent from the Lord; to be absent from this physical body (by death) is to be at home with the Lord. In fact, Jesus said no one is good but God (Luke 18:19). Take a few minutes here and there to keep yourself strong and built up in the Lord. 1 For we know that if our earthly house, the tent we live in, is dismantled, we have a building from God, a house not built by human hands, that is eternal in the heavens. In chapter 6, Paul showed the necessity of sanctification. Will they choose to deny the gift of salvation and continue living for their own pleasure? But in other ways Heaven will be wonderful and perfect beyond measure. It was also possible that he would be executed. The resurrection to heavenly life is called "the first resurrection." Carry a pocket New Testament with you or download a Bible app on your phone, and take a "Word break" instead of a coffee break. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. Many people believe they can go to Heaven by being a "good person." This idea is foreign to the Bible. When He told Joshua His plan and Joshua followed it, there was victory. But as I prepare to go to the studio, Ill play a praise tape or just begin to worship God. 1997 - 2023 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Its not easy, but it is definitely worthwhile. (Acts 1:11) Heaven is known as the Father's House. The short answer to this question is that the Bible says we literally die after death. American Measurements vs Metric Measurements What is the Difference? But if God allowed him to remain alive, he would have more time to give up his life in service to others. 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. All He needs is faithfulness. Give Him praise. Become so Holy Ghost-minded that when a symptom of sickness tries to attach itself to your body, the first thing you think about is not your doctor-but the Word of God and the power of His Spirit. No matter how good or bad you have been in the past, Each individual has been given a choice as to where they will, Will they choose to deny the gift of salvation and continue living for their own pleasure? 20 For you put up with it if someone makes slaves of you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone behaves arrogantly toward you, if someone strikes you in the face. Deadlines work. Are they descendants of Abraham? Perhaps the greatest challenge we face as Spirit-filled believers is learning to accurately distinguish the leading of the Holy Spirit. 6 For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me, 7 even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. But remember, the Holy Spirit wont force Himself on you. Jesus claims absolute authority over this path, saying, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. God is perfect. Are we better than they? 22 They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, "We must enter the kingdom of God through many persecutions" (Acts 14:21-22; see also 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:10-12). 6 Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord - 7 for we live by faith, not by sight. 4 For we groan while we are in this tent, since we are weighed down, because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Through the written Word, your mind becomes renewed to accept Gods way as the right way. The gap between 'have to' and 'get to'. So God cured him of stuttering, healed his body and made him one of the outstanding healing evangelists of all time. This provides us with the opportunity to spend eternity in heaven. I've often wondered about this. No human being is holy and perfect enough for heaven. In His Words: What Billy Graham Once Said About Eternity. Dead people sleep in unconsciousnessthey dont think or feel anything. From what I know of such accounts, most of them do not speak of hell or eternal judgment, and often the impression one is left with is very calming and peaceful, giving one a false hope of finding salvation after death. God has chosen to keep many of the details of this glorious eternity a secret until we experience them first-hand. 11 Moreover if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you (Romans 8:8-11). 26 The last enemy to be eliminated is death. Only one thing will keep you out of Heaven, and that is your sin. Or will it be something entirely different from what we see around us? When Paul stared intently at him and saw he had faith to be healed, 10 he said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." If, indeed, the stoning at Lystra is the setting for Paul's vision of heaven, it would have come very early in his ministry, and it would explain why he could look forward to death as he did.21 No wonder Paul went right back into the city after he was revived and then returned to Lystra again after going to Derbe. There were no words to describe what he saw. Unlike 1 Corinthians 15 (where Paul speaks of literal death and resurrection), Paul speaks of death and life here in a metaphorical way. The fact that others we have loved on earth will be there is "icing on the cake," but it is not the essence of what heaven is about. Eternity is a long time. While heaven is full of every good thing, hell is a place of torment. He could only live and minister in victory by living in total dependence on God. 20 My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. It is apparent that these false apostles were Jewish and used their ethnic and religious heritage as part of their claim to authority. 4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. He would minister to people all day long, then spend all night alone with God. It is available on the Internet at: www.netbible.org. Heaven is the place where God dwells. Christian Theology: The thought that we may get to see our deceased loved ones again in a better place and be with them forever is a comforting thought. However, as we now know, not everyone will go to heaven. Contact Us. Hopefully, we will see that Paul's near (or after) death experience at Lystra (Acts 14:19-20) provided an occasion for God to give Paul a vision of heaven to come (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). The best place to learn more about heaven and what happens after death is in the Holy Bible. [20] Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 38 But God gives it a body just as he planned, and to each of the seeds a body of its own. We wont feel like strangers; well finally be home. No wonder Paul referred to Timothy as his "son" (1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:21). Needless to say, I would challenge the book's claim to be the "ultimate guide to what happens when we die." At the core of our nature, we are all deceitfully wicked and sinful. You must be constantly looking to Him for guidance, instead of managing your life according to your own natural plans and ideas. To believe in Jesus doesn't mean to know some facts about a religion. The same is true for you. When the apostles realized what was happening, they immediately began to seek to dissuade the crowd from worshipping them as gods, preaching instead about the One True God. 3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows) 4 was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak. These false teachers sought to enhance themselves and their teaching by claiming (or giving the appearance of) apostolic authority. 3 For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Because in the Book of Revelation, there actually is a number that appears144,000 who are gathered in God's kingdom. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Reddit, Inc. 2023. This is one of the reasons why the information we are provided with is limited. If you BELIEVE (rely upon) the Gospel, you are . How Many People Can Go to Heaven? He wanted them to know both His general and specific will. Through this selfless sacrifice, we are given forgiveness. I should desire to preach the gospel to lost sinners so that many of them can enjoy the blessings of heaven in the presence of God. You may be poor, uneducated or the biggest failure on your block. When the army of Israel invaded Jericho, they must have heard Gods voice. 13 But since we have the same spirit of faith as that shown in what has been written, "I believed; therefore I spoke," we also believe, therefore we also speak. Jesus is the way. No one is good but One, that is, God. 2 For in this earthly house we groan, because we desire to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed, after we have put on our heavenly house, we will not be found naked. If anyone had the right to be heard, it was Paul, not the Jewish false apostles (who obviously were much more accustomed to the good life). To Him be the glory! 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 23 When they had appointed elders for them in the various churches, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the protection of the Lord in whom they had believed (Acts 14:8-23).3, Paul and Barnabas are on their first missionary journey. Unfortunately, this is a very real issue. Upon researching this topic further, you will quickly realize that every society and people have wondered what will happen to them after they die. And certainly no human being would suggest a seven-day march around a city as the most effective form of invasion! The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God (John 3:16-18, emphasis mine). If God allowed sinful humans to enter the perfection of heaven, it would no longer be perfect. You can learn more about hell here. Everyone has the opportunity to accept this gracious gift! Consult with Him about things that come up. and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ here. Howard O. Jones: First African-American Member of Billy Grahams Team Shares His Story. 2 Corinthians 5:8 Not Helpful Paul and Timothy26 are constantly being delivered over to death for the Lord's sake so that His life can be produced in them. 22 They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, "We must enter the kingdom of God through many persecutions." 18 For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. The solution is the saving work of Christ at Calvary and the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer (chapter 8). Not only does Paul's "dying" bring life to the Corinthians; it also brings glory to God (4:15). We will also provide you with additional resources for learning more about what happens after death. If, indeed, Paul's experience here is that to which he refers in 2 Corinthians 12, one can see how death was not an enemy to Paul, but a friend, bringing him into the presence of God. In this post, we will discuss heaven in further detail, including who will go to heaven. We are proclaiming the good news to you, so that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them. Although it is not a popular topic of conversation, many people simply tell themselves that after they die they will go to heaven. So let's look deeper into the Bible to learn about the people that are prophesied to enter heaven. To abide in the Lord and maintain a living connection with Him, we must hear and obey Him. One way to look at the argument of these verses is to track the relationship between death and life. Years ago, my wife Jeannette and I worked on an island a few miles from Seattle, Washington. (Titus 3:5) For it is by grace you . 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. 8 Spring Break Vacation Bible School Activity Ideas. 1 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. The Bible says that in some ways it will be. Is it just like this world, only more perfect? Those of us with a number of years behind us (and often with gray hair - or none - to prove it) can readily agree with Paul when he speaks of the gradual, but steady, decline of the physical body. What Does The Bible Say About Death. These texts indicate that after their resurrection, the saints will stand before God, where their works will be judged. (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) Heaven will commence with the believer's judgment and the Lord's distribution of rewards for faithful service. He noted that this man had faith to be healed, and so Paul loudly commanded the man to stand up and walk - and he did! What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. Hell, like heaven, is a very real place. They were suffering from hypothermia and were brought on shore and placed beside the open fire to warm up. Will Heaven be like this world? For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know (1 Thessalonians 3:4). It is inconsistent with the gospel to die to sin and yet continue to live in sin. 1. And no wonder Paul once again visited Lystra on his second missionary journey. The answer is: "Believe in the Lord Jesus." Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Acts 16:30-31 (ESV) This is what the Bible calls the Gospel, or Good News. Even after His baptism in the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord-but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders] (John 5:30, The Amplified Bible). Thank you for reading Answers for Everyone. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. Though they may have some good results, theyll never see the supernatural results they would if they were dependent on God. You will also see Jesus face to face, and be received by Him with great joy. What You Need to Know We all have questions about topics we do not understand. Jesus knew He had to receive direction from the Holy Spirit if He was to do what God had called Him to do. We will then consider Paul's words about this life and the afterlife in 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 and conclude with a few words of application. This world also is racked by violence and wars and natural disasters but again, it wont be true in Heaven. Although there are passages in the Bible that hint to what heaven will look like, it is safe to say that the reality of heaven will far surpass those worldly images. How easy it would have been to just keep going to Derbe. I must confess that my motivation has been primarily negative: I want to preach the gospel to lost sinners (especially my unsaved loved ones) because I don't want them to go to hell. Having seen what awaits him in heaven, Paul does not cling to life on earth; he lives dangerously in the preaching of the gospel. Sixth, we need to think differently about those whom we will spend eternity with in heaven. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. In 23 Minutes in Hell, author Bill Wiese shares a life-changing experience that he had several years ago. But those things make you a prime candidate for the calling of God. The Inescapable Problem of Sin He has, however, granted us with a clear knowledge of what is required for entrance into heaven upon passing. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. How to Incorporate Jesus Into More of Your Holiday Traditions, Common Myths About Childrens Dental Hygiene What You Need To Know. And thus death is not to be fearfully avoided by living in the safe zone; we can live dangerously for Christ, knowing that death brings life, both for those whom we serve (4:7-14) and for us when we die, whether as martyrs (4:14) or due to old age (4:16--5:10). Second (and closely related to my first observation), I am impressed with the fact that Luke does not make any attempt to sensationalize this stoning. [15] "Their feet are swift to shed blood; [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways; [17] And the way of peace they have not known." 13 You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:25-31). 16 Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day. The most important fact about Heaven is that it will be far more glorious than anything we can ever imagine! Second, when Paul did speak of heaven, his most consistent emphasis was that heaven is the place where God is, and where men are privileged to enjoy His presence. Heaven is God's home. Fifth, when we present the gospel to lost sinners, we should be careful to tell them the truth, and that truth is that just as trusting in Jesus will bring the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of spending eternity in God's presence, so it will bring us tribulation in this life. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use. But Heaven is glorious most of all because it is the dwelling place of God. 23 Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. The solution to this condition is the transformation of man into righteous men and women who reign (over creation) with Christ. 1) The word "heaven" (Hebrew: shamyim, Greek: ouranos) can mean God's dwelling place. The most important fact is that heaven is a real place. There are several facts that we can learn about heaven throughout the pages of the Bible. However, He is also just. This punishment is an eternity separated from God. Christ forbade starting a prayer if a person holds a grudge . Although we are able to learn many things about heaven through studying the Holy Bible, there is still much we do not know. So ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop such a habit of dependence on Him that it would be unusual to go more than 15 or 20 minutes without talking to Him and looking to Him for assistance. For all those who follow Jesus to Heaven, they will find a happy home where we will glorify the Lord forever. (1 Corinthians 3:10-16, emphasis mine). If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. The Bible very definitely speaks of heaven's existenceand access to heaven through faith in Jesus Christbut there are no verses that give us a geographical location. Will they choose to repent of their sins and acknowledge their need for a Saviour? This is an amazing thing to me. Lean on the Holy Spirit. 8 Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. And if these folks considered themselves to have earned a hearing, Paul goes on to enumerate the many ways in which he had "earned his stripes" by suffering for the sake of the gospel he preached. And so it is that just as Paul did not fear the death of martyrdom, neither did he fear the death of old age. But in spite of our "dying by degrees" in the normal aging process, Christians also experience life. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 20 But after the disciples had surrounded him, he got up and went back into the city. How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible God gives us clear instructions on how we can live eternally with Him. You enter heaven by forgiveness and through the righteousness that Jesus gives you. Anyone anywhere in the world with an Internet connection will be able to use and print out the NET Bible without cost for personal study. [18] "There is no fear of God before their eyes.". 19 For since you are so wise, you put up with fools gladly. Disclaimer Statement: Any righteousness that we think we have is like a "filthy rag" ( Isaiah 64:6) when held up to the standard of God's incomparable holiness. To come to God and be saved, you need to repent, have faith, and be baptized. ( John 1:1-3, 12; Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:26-35; 2:11) Jesus Christ is the unique Son of God, who was both fully God and fully man. He was dying of tuberculosis. You can find more information on the reality of heaven here. So, according to the Bible, does everyone go to Heaven after they die? Cookie Notice Job 14:13- 15. That is a valid motivation, but Paul places a great deal of emphasis on the positive side of this coin. But the good news is that the sleep of death is not permanent. Only 2 Corinthians refers to this incident, and then only in sketchy terms. Such is not the teaching of Scripture: 27 And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, 28 so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation (Hebrews 9:27-28).22. By making God your No. I must preach the gospel for the good of men and for the glory of God. 1 priority and continually walking in love, you can stay connected to heaven 24 hours a day. 15 If someone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss. About Kenneth Copeland Ministries Of works? Beginning in 1 Corinthians, Paul has been seeking to correct problems in the church. The second area in which Paul felt compelled to boast was in regard to the vision he had received in his "near death" experience. If you are faithful to maintain that kind of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, He will enable you to live as an overcomer and be a blessing to many people. This gift of salvation is available to anyone who accepts their need for a Savior, repents of their sins, and places their trust in God. His justice means that He can not let any unrepented sin go unpunished. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each builder's work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. However, because of. One reason Heaven is glorious is because it is absolutely perfect. The Bible says, Look! ( Acts 2: 29, 34) Instead, they had the hope of being resurrected to life on earth. The strange battle plan they used wasnt written in the Law of Moses. It is where His holy nature shines unveiled and in its full glory and majesty.

Tisa Disclosure Requirements, Emotiva Pt-100 Remote, Articles H