How Do I Get Into Heaven?

Heaven is a gift! (Romans 6:23) No one deserves it and no one can earn it (Ephesians 2:8-9). Because it is a gift, it is free. What an insult it would be to even try to pay anything for this priceless gift!

Why Is This Gift So Priceless?

If heaven is not offered as a gift , we cannot enter. God's entrance requirement is to be 100% perfect! (Matthew 5:48) However, we are not perfect (Romans 3:23). We are sinners and even one sin disqualifies us from heaven (Revelations 21:27). Nevertheless, God loves us and wants us to be with Him (1John 4:8b). Therefore, His solution to our dilemma is to offer heaven to us as a gift.

This Gift Is Costly!

It cost His Son, Jesus Christ, His life! Jesus is both God and human. He existed before the earth was created and left his throne in heaven to become human (Colossians 2:9, John 1:1,14). He led the perfect life that we, as humans, cannot live (Hebrews 9:11-14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Mark 1:24). Then, He paid the entire penalty for our sins when He died on the cross to purchase a place in heaven for us. (Isaiah 53:6, 1John 1:7, Romans 5:8) We know God accepted Jesus' payment for our sins when He raised Jesus from the dead (John 11:25-26, 1Corinthians 15).

How Do I Receive This Gift?

Believe that Jesus paid the penalty for each of your sins to purchase the gift of heaven for you. This can be summed up by the word GRACE, God's Riches At Christ's Expense (John 1:11-12, John 3:16, John 14:2,6; Matthew 11:28, Acts 4:12).

What Are Possible Responses To Receiving A Gift?

If a friend gives you a coat for your birthday, you might respond in one of the following ways:

· “No thank you. I don't need it!”

· “Thank you, but let me help you pay for this.”

· “Thank you. I'll just keep it in the closet!” (…and leave it there.)

· “Thank you. This is just what I needed.” (...and intend to use it everyday.)

God loves you and desires to have a personal relationship with you through His Son, Jesus Christ. What is your response to His gift ? (John 6:47)

If Heaven Is A Gift, Why Should I Do Good Works?

Good works do not get us into heaven. Instead, they are an expression of our thanks and gratitude to God for the gift He has given us (James 2:17, 1Corinthians 5:14a).

If you have any questions or comments, please call Gretchen Fett (651-552-8975), Delana Gerten (651-450-9625), or 1-888-NEED HIM.