What must I do or believe to have everlasting life?
You’ve probably heard the saying, "Only two things in life are certain: death and taxes." While taxes can be annoying, death often brings bigger, more unsettling questions. What happens when we die? Is there an afterlife? Will we exist beyond the grave? Is there really a Heaven and Hell?
For many, the belief in Heaven is accompanied by the hope that they will end up there. But is this simply wishful thinking, or is there a way to know how to get to Heaven with certainty? Thankfully, the Bible provides clear answers to these questions.
Heaven in the Bible and God’s Standard
The Bible speaks often of Heaven as a real, eternal place where God dwells. It also describes Hell as a place of ultimate separation from Him, reserved for judgment. But how do we know who goes where? This crucial question has been answered by God Himself in His Word.
Some people believe they’ll enter Heaven because they’ve led good lives. But is being a good person enough? The Bible challenges us to think this through. How good is "good enough"? Even if you’re better than average, does that guarantee eternal life in Heaven?
Others think believing in God is the ticket to Heaven. But consider this: even demons believe in God. The Bible says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and tremble” (James 2:19). Yet demons are certainly not going to Heaven.
This means two things are clear based on what the Bible says about Heaven and salvation. First, our works, or how “good” we are, are not the pathway to Heaven. Second, merely believing in God’s existence won’t get us there either.
The Bible tells us that only those who are flawless can enter God’s presence in Heaven. Unfortunately, no human, apart from Jesus Christ, has lived a sinless life. Instead, the Bible clearly states:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
This verse reminds us of a sobering reality. None of us meet the standard to enter Heaven because we all fall short of God’s perfect holiness. Even one sin disqualifies us from eternal life in God’s presence.
What Is Sin?
Understanding sin is key to understanding why we fall short. Sin, as described in the Bible, is any action, word, or thought that violates God’s standard of perfection. God made these standards clear through His Ten Commandments, given in Exodus 20:
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in Heaven above or on the earth beneath.
- You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
These commandments not only address outward actions but also the intentions and thoughts of our hearts. Jesus explained this in Matthew 5 when He equated hatred with murder (Matthew 5:21-22). Similarly, He said that lustful thoughts are as sinful as committing adultery (Matthew 5:27-28).
If we’re honest, we’ve all broken these commandments in some way. Have you ever told even a small lie? Taken something that didn’t belong to you? Spoken God’s name in frustration or anger? Felt hatred toward someone? Each of these actions is sin, and sin separates us from God.
Why Sin Prevents Us from Going to Heaven
The Bible is clear that sin has serious consequences. Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death.” This death goes beyond the physical; it’s about spiritual separation from God for eternity. This is what is often referred to as Hell. God, being perfectly holy and just, must punish sin. A good judge doesn’t overlook wrongdoing, and neither does God. No amount of good we do can erase the stain of sin or the penalty it carries. The payment for sin is eternal separation from God, and nothing we do can change that.
How to Go to Heaven According to the Bible
Thankfully, the Bible goes beyond just telling us what won’t work. It provides us with the one pathway to Heaven. Jesus Christ said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The Bible teaches that to enter Heaven and receive eternal life, you must place your faith in Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose from the dead to defeat sin and death. Only He has the power to save us and ensure our place in Heaven.
The Apostle Paul sums it up beautifully in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This means salvation is not something you can earn by trying to be good or by religious activities. It is a gift from God, freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him as their Lord and Savior.
What Must You Do?
If you feel unsure about eternity or want the assurance of knowing how to get to Heaven, the Bible offers a simple yet profound answer. This involves acknowledging a few core truths and making a commitment of faith.
- Accept That You’re a Sinner
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” None of us are perfect, and we all need forgiveness." - Believe in Jesus Christ as Your Savior
John 3:16 assures us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Trust in Jesus and His sacrifice for you. - Confess and Commit Your Life to Him
Romans 10:9 declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” By placing your faith in Christ, you can have the assurance of everlasting life.
Can You Be Sure of Heaven?
Yes, you can be sure of Heaven if you follow God’s plan for salvation. Jesus paid the price for our sins so we could have the guarantee of eternal life. This is a free gift. It’s not something you have to work for or earn.
If you want to know how to go to Heaven or are wondering how to get to Heaven, start by trusting Jesus Christ today. This decision will change your life now and for eternity.
Will You Accept This Gift?
Friend, our prayer is that you seriously consider what the Bible teaches about how to go to Heaven. Salvation is a gift from God, freely available to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Do not delay. Make the decision today to trust in Him as your Lord and Savior.
If you’d like to learn more or have questions, we invite you to search our resource library or reach out for spiritual guidance. Heaven is real, and God desires that you spend eternity with Him. Will you accept His invitation?
