How do you get to heaven?

Angela - posted on 07/10/2011

Good works don't actually "count" towards salvation. If they did, it would mean that Christ's sacrifice was less than complete. And no-one's good works would really be good enough. Our best is as filthy rags to the LORD.

However, other persons who are unsaved will ALWAYS judge us on our works, good deeds etc... Not on the Gospel we preach. So it's important not to sully the name of the Christian community by being obviously sinful or never having the time or inclination to help others.

This is what I feel is meant in James' Epistle when he says "Faith without works is vain". He certainly doesn't suggest a different formula for salvation! We're saved by Grace, through faith in Christ & his sacrifice.

If anyone disagrees or thinks I've not explained this properly, please say so!

Tonya - posted on 07/09/2011

What does good works really mean? or being good for that matter? What is "good" for one is not good for another, and what we feel is good, might not be what God views as good.
I believe that to get to heaven is to go home. You accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, but once you do that you start to build that relationship with him. It's not enough to just say yeah I believe, it's not fire insurance. The Bible says Jesus is the Truth, the Light and the Way... Building that relationship is important too.
I look at it like this... being christian is a love story... We were created by love for love, take away from love, and then love seeks to be reunited with us again. If you want to go home, accept him, then find out who it is you have accepted. :)

Ellen - posted on 07/09/2011

open ur bible read the 10 comanments think carefully when u read them. Know what is right and wrong not what is ok know in 2011. because everyone else is doing it doesnt make it right. right and wrong has not change since the beginning of time. Also Pray Pray Pray.

Ellen - posted on 07/09/2011

open ur bible read the 10 comanments think carefully when u read them. Know what is right and wrong not what is ok know in 2011. because everyone else is doing it doesnt make it right. right and wrong has not change since the beginning of time. Also Pray Pray Pray.

Ellen - posted on 07/09/2011

open ur bible read the 10 comanments think carefully when u read them. Know what is right and wrong not what is ok know in 2011. because everyone else is doing it doesnt make it right. right and wrong has not change since the beginning of time. Also Pray Pray Pray.

Janet - posted on 04/23/2010

Christa, Read the Bible avery scripture is very important. You do have to do more than ask God into you life. I wish we lived close to each other I would love to set up a Bible study with you and you family. I live in Alabama Janet

Janet - posted on 04/20/2010

Hi Christa, You do have to do more to go to heaven and I will give you scriptures to study.Hear God's Word..Believe it...John 20:30-31,Repent...Acts 3:19, Confess your faith in Christ...Matthew 10:32,Be baptized...Acts2:38,Live as a Christian..2 Timothy 2:15.

Annette - posted on 04/13/2010

Check out the book Driven By Eternity by John Bevere.. Its so awesome.. and so powerful.
God is a God of Grace. and Justice as well. We are not judged according to what we do, we are judged in the light of what we are called to do.

Salvation is a truly free gift. Jesus died for you and me, and as we all know, the word says if we Believe in him, ask him into our life, confess that we are sinners saved by grace, and commit to living for him, he saves us from the "wide road"
=)

Sylvia - posted on 04/13/2010

Hello Christa,



I may fall into the category with friends, I do believe scripturally in following Christ and his word. Not only is that all we do according to scripture (which I believe and follow) good works is apart of our Christian walk. We don't just accept Christ (may you please explain what you mean by accept), but we must carry ourselves and be Christ like as we are created in his image: Genesis 1: 27 Matt 5:48 -Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.1 Cor. 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ. 2 Cor. 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you .



We are required by scripture to "work"

James 2:14-26 (New King James Version)



Faith Without Works Is Dead



14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your[a] works, and I will show you my faith by my[b] works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?[c] 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[d]And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.



It is important in being "Christ-like" that we look at him completely. As an example and how he led, Christ didn't just sit still and claim who he was he did things. He worked, helped and healed, was kind and showed people the way (as we are to as his workers). According to scripture accepting Christ is first



Hearing the Gospel:Loved ones, God approaches man through his ears and eyes, his understanding. Thus, the Bible was given to be read, studied, understood, and obeyed (Matt. 7:24-29).







In Acts chapter two, the Gospel was preached for the first time to the Jewish people who were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. At that time the apostles preached the Gospel, telling the people how Jesus had died for their sins, been buried and rose from the dead on the third day. The apostles told the people that God had made the man Jesus, whom the leaders had just crucified, both Lord and Christ. In Acts 2:37, the Bible says, “Now when they HEARD this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” This is one of the many verses in the Bible that shows the importance of HEARING the word of God.







Surely we recognize the importance of belief, for without it men cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). Likewise, repentance is necessary – for without it men will perish (Luke 13:3). Confession of faith in Christ must be made with the mouth unto salvation (Matt. 10:32-33). Baptism washes sins away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5), and puts one into Christ where salvation is found (Gal. 3:27; 2 Tim. 2:10), thus making that one a child of God. If however, there is not proper hearing of God’s word none of these things will ever come about.







Jesus is the author of salvation to the obedient (Heb. 5: 8-9), but to no one else. We cannot obey Him unless we learn His will, and we cannot learn His will out­side of the Bible. Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). Thus, no one can find God, the Savior, or the Holy Spirit, without HEARING the word of God.







To be saved one must “call upon the name of the Lord.” Before this can be done, one must believe, and in order to believe, he must HEAR (Rom. 10:13-14). The Holy Spirit says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). We know that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6), so again the Bible teaches that HEARING is so very important.







We must hear the word of God discerningly. One should not be a gullible hearer. The noble Bereans searched the scriptures daily to see whether the things they HEARD were true (Acts 17:11). Like them, we must not accept or reject what is preached until we have examined it carefully in light of all the Bible teaches.







We must hear the word of God eagerly. The Bible says, “Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).







We must hear the word of God with proper motives. Jesus taught, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock…and everyone that heareth these saying of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand” (Matt. 7:24-26).





Believe: STEP 2: BELIEF or FAITH!











In approaching our study of FAITH, we are mindful of the lesson we just completed on HEARING the Word (Step 1). If there is no hearing, faith will not be present because hearing is the basis of faith: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). This tells us that real Bible faith (the only acceptable faith) must be based upon the Word of God. Since Jesus is the Word, Paul says, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). Therefore, our faith must rest on Jesus Christ.







The Bible speaks of walking by faith (2 Cor. 5:7), keeping the faith (Rev. 14:12), building on faith (Jude 20), and a bearing of faith as part of the fruit of the Christian life (Gal. 5:22). Indeed, the entire response one makes to God is a process of faith. For this study, we will be thinking of faith as the second step in God’s Plan of Salvation. Faith is essential, vital, and necessary. Without it there can be no salvation. Repentance, confession of Christ, and water baptism (other steps in God’s plan) are all proceed by faith. Without faith they cannot take place!







What is faith? “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Faith involves believing that God is – that He exists. Faith gives us the assurance that in seeking God there are rewards promised, and we expect to receive them. The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6). This passage shows the need to please God. Therefore, faith is taking God at His word (Rom. 4:21).







Faith is NOT something merely felt or something imagined, and it is not something read or heard that is not the truth of the Bible. Many people can speak of having “faith” in this or that, but it may only be something imagined, something they desire to believe, or something they believe based on false information. None of these would be the faith spoken of and honored in the Word of God (compare Heb. 4:2).







Also, a faith that merely says, “I Believe,” but has no persuasion toward obeying, is not acceptable to God. James makes that point in reference to the devils: “Thou believest that there is on God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble (James 2:19). Satan and his hosts indeed know that God exists, and that Jesus is the Son of God, but these do not act to obey God and Christ. The only acceptable faith in God is an active obedient faith – a faith that “works by love” (Gal. 5:6). A faith that does not obey is a dead faith (James 2:17, 24, 26).







Remember: man is justified (or made right) by faith (Rom. 5:1), but we must again hasten to point out that man is not justified by “faith only” (James 2:24). Always, the faith that pleases God is that which is obedient to the will of God. Jesus is the author of salvation only to those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9). The only people who will make heaven their eternal home are the ones who do the will of God (Matt. 7:21).



Repent: “Freewill” is a natural part of man’s being. God made man with the attribute of “freewill” and he, therefore, is fully capable of choosing to serve either God or Satan (cf. Joshua 24:15). Being that all accountable persons have exercised their freewill in choosing to sin, it is equally true that the freewill of sinful man is necessarily involved in his choice to return to God (Rom. 3:23).







The Lord, our only Savior, requires repentance of taught believers. He did not come to call the righteous, "but sinners to repentance" (Matt. 9:13). Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Luke's account of His last words tell us that Jesus required "Repentance and remission of sins (to) be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47).







What is involved in the mind and life of one when he or she repents? This question must be answered, because if one would be saved by Christ that one must repent (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9). Repentance is a simple word. Its most basic meaning is "to think differently." Repentance is about changing direction. It also signifies "to change one's mind or purpose." It always involves a change for the better. One makes a change in direction from a lifestyle that was separated from and rebellious against God and turns to Him. Isaiah summed it up: "Cease to do evil; learn to do well” (Isaiah 1:16-17).







Repentance is the way we get ready and prepared for the coming of salvation. There is no salvation where there is no repentance. What is required is not that we try to escape from predicaments and crises, but a repentance wherein one sincerely turns to and walks with God.







What produces repentance? The Bible says, “GODLY SORROW produces REPENTANCE” (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). Repentance then results in a REFORMATION OF LIFE (Luke 3:8). Therefore, repentance is both an effect and a cause. It is the effect of godly sorrow and the cause of a reformation of life.







God uses His word in two ways to bring mankind to repentance: First, from the word of God we are caused to see the fearful and eternal consequences of a life lived in sin (Matt. 11:20-24). Second, from the same word we also see that the goodness of God leads us to repent (Rom. 2:4-5). If these two ways do not cause a person to repent, such a person will never be brought to repentance!







Our time in this life is limited. Indeed, God has set the time of the end. The time when He is calling out for repentance will not go on forever. Consequently, the apostle Paul said in the epistle addressed to the church at Corinth: “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).







We should not take lightly God's forgiveness of those who come to Him repenting, and God's abundant loving kindness, forbearance, and endurance which allows us to live in a righteous relationship with Him.







Remember: repentance means to turn away from sin (change your mind about sin) and turn to God.



Confess Jesus as Lord: The central theme that runs through the Bible is the salvation of man through Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Genesis through Malachi says, “Christ is coming.” Matthew through John says, “Christ has come.” Acts through Revelation says, “Christ is coming again.” Since God now speaks to us through His Son (Heb. 1:1; cf. Deuteronomy 18:18-19), to obey God is to obey Christ. To obey Christ is to confess Christ.







“Confession” means to declare openly by way of speaking out freely. Such confession is the effect of a deep conviction of facts. Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32-33). In Romans 10:10 Paul said, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”







Since Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and since there is no salvation in any other name under heaven (Acts 4:12), the confession made “unto salvation” has to do with the deep convictions of an individual believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This belief is based on the facts and evidences that are presented in the Word of God (John 20:30-31). But more than that, faith in Jesus also conveys the obedient response which must be rendered throughout life by the one who confesses Christ by the lip.







There are two ways to confess Christ. First, there must be the confession of the Christ on the part of one as he places himself under the obligation to accept the terms of salvation which have been set forth by the Christ. Part of one’s obedience to the Gospel is the public acknowledgement of his belief in Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 10:32).







When we reflect back to the time of our Lord’s ministry, those who were going to follow Him had to acknowledge (had to confess) that He was the Christ, the Son of God. Obviously they had to indicate their belief in Jesus in some way. This is why it was said (to the shame of some) in John 12:42-43, that even among the chief rulers there were “…many who believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”







Likewise today, when one comes to be a disciple there must be a willingness to abide in the teaching of Christ and a confessing of Jesus as the Christ. This confession cannot be a secretive or hidden kind of confession. In fact, how can anyone be assisted in their obedience to Christ unless a confession of Jesus takes place? How else can we know their desire? It would be impossible to know unless we find out from them! (cf. Acts 8:26-40).







Second, the one who has made the initial confession with the mouth – that “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” and has rendered obedience to the Gospel of Christ, must also add to that initial confession another kind of confession; i.e. – the confession that they belong to Jesus. This confession is made by the way one lives, and will be made as long as they live.



Baptized: One cannot preach the Gospel of Christ without preaching baptism for the remission of sins (Mark 16:15-16). In fact, water baptism is always a part of preaching Christ (Acts 8:5, 12, 35-39). Jesus began his personal ministry by being baptized (Matt. 3:13-17), and He ended His earthly stay by commanding baptism (Matt. 28:18-20).







The death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus for our sins are the facts of the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4). These facts must be believed and obeyed if a soul is to be saved (cf. Rom. 6:3-4, 17). If we do not obey the Gospel, we will be eternally lost (2 Thess. 1:7-9). The command to be baptized was a part of the first Gospel sermon (Acts 2:37-38), because water baptism beautifully portrays the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6:1-4).







How many baptisms does the Bible demand? "There is…One Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4:5).







What is the action? “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are raised with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:12).







What is the one baptism for? Baptism washes away our sins by the blood of Jesus (Matt. 26:28; Acts 2:38). Baptism brings us into Christ (Gal. 3:27) where all spiritual blessings are found (Eph. 1:3). These Spiritual blessing include but are not limited to forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7), salvation (2 Tim. 2:10), the indwelling Spirit of God as an earnest and intercessor (Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 8:26), and eternal life (1 John 5:11).







The only scriptural candidate for water baptism is a taught penitent believer. If one does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, or has not decided to turn from his sins (repented), he is not a scriptural candidate for baptism. The one being baptized must know about the shed blood of Jesus, where it is to be contacted, and what it does. If one does not realize that by being baptized into the death of Jesus (Rom. 6:3) his sins are washed away by the blood of Christ (Matt. 26:28), and is thus added to the church of Christ by the Lord Jesus (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:13), he is not a scriptural candidate for baptism.







Concerning denominational baptism, if a person was baptized, but was ignorant of the significance of baptism to his salvation, he was not baptized scripturally. He needs to be taught right and baptized again (cf. Acts 19:1-5). Since baptism is a burial in water (Rom 6:4), a person who simply had a little water sprinkled or poured over his head or body was not scripturally baptized. So if a person has not been immersed in water with the proper understanding of its significance (cf. Romans 6:17), he has not been baptized scripturally and needs to go back under the water again.



Christa, I apologize for the lengthy response but I do take God's Word and his Will very seriously and I didn't want to just "talk" to you or give opinion without any scriptural proof or background of what his Word says for all of us. I hope I didn't come off preachy because that isn't my intention, I actually enjoy talking about Our Lord. I just wanted to share my feelings and clearly share with you what I believe.



I commend you for stating your spiritual beliefs and I appreciate this conversation.



God Bless You

Sylvia (Angel's mom)

Alicia - posted on 04/13/2010

Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later. This is the most important fact that needs to be established if you are interested in having a conversation about salvation. To be truly saved, a person must come to Jesus in prayer and confess that they have sinned and are in need of a savior. They must ask Jesus to come into their lives and forgive them. If a person truly does this with their heart and means it, then they will be saved and assured a place in heaven when their physical body dies. Jesus does however encourage us to build a relationship with Him and offer obedience to Him. This means prayer, going to church, repentence, and a many other things. However, I do believe that a person can be truly saved without doing all these things. Sometimes there are true death bed salvations and such and I don't think that these are counted any different. It's hard to say. But without the understanding of Jesus and what he has done for us you can not go to heaven. Nothing you do will ever be enough. We will fail. God is far too holy for us to ever abtain salvation through works. This is the true gift of God...We don't have to work our way up to God because God came down to us. What a wonderful God we have indeed!!!!

Lauren - posted on 04/10/2010

you must accept jesus as your savior and devote your life to fullfilling Gods plan for you. try your hardest to be just as close to the model of jesus as you possibly can. things happen, you will still sin, but its about how your heart really is inside...its not a one time thing its an all the time thing...you speak about just accepting jesus but wouldnt you lioke to be a light to the lost for as long as you have here on earth..don't know about you but i sure do!!!!!God bless everyone.

Jackie - posted on 04/10/2010

Salvation is free. No strings attached.
We love our parents, so because we do we want to please them by doing things for them and giving gifts to them and liveing by what they taught us,they in turn keep blessing us as well.
God is our Heavenly Father, and He is no different. We obey His word, do for others in Jesus name, because we love Him and want to please Him. We are not saved by our works, but we will be rewarded by them.

Gabriela - posted on 04/09/2010

Interesting question. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you become a partaker in the suffering of Christ. We suffer in ways by seeing people in need and despair. This is where our good works come in, the works of Christ. Good works don't get you to heaven? Becoming a Child of God, good works come automatically. The wise words of Mr. Walls and me (the wife)!!

Linda - posted on 04/09/2010

It is truly very very simple..It says in His Word..."Faith plus nothing!"..

Dana - posted on 04/08/2010

Crystal Hall--I just want to say that the Bible does describe Hell as a place of fire and eternal torment, not just a place of darkness or imagination.



Consider:

Matt 5:22 . . . . will be in danger of the fire of hell.



Matt 18:22 . . . It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.



Luke 16:24. . . . Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.



Mark 9:43-44 . . .it is better for you to enter life crippled than having your two hands to go into hell into the unquenchable fire. where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.



That looks to me like hell is a place of fire and brimstone and torment. Also, Hell is only a temporary holding place. At the judgment hell and all those in it will be thrown into the lake buring with fire



Rev 19:20 . . . these two were thrown into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.



Rev 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.



Rev 20:14 Then death and Hades (Hell) were thrown into the lake of fire.



Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.



Don't just trust me either, always go back to the Word.

Dana - posted on 04/08/2010

To Christa -- Our God is a just and forgiving God, and even the worst of murderers, rapists, etc., can still get into heaven if they TRULY repent of their sins and turn from them to Christ. Whether we believe that should be the case or not, God is the judge, not us on who gets to go to Heaven. He is the only one that really knows our hearts.

Sandra - posted on 04/08/2010

you got it!!! accepting and believing that Jesus died for you and is alive today. He will be waiting for you with open arms in heaven, what an awesome savior!!!

Jacqueline - posted on 04/06/2010

CHrista thats a good question. Ill try not to preach!lol here is what i believe and i hold these beliefs to be true. First of all you have to admit your a sinner as we are none of us perfect. GOOD PEOPLE DONT GO TO HEAVEN. Perfect people do. how do we become perfect???? or how do we get to heaven is this. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. You have to REPENT of all your sins confessing them to God give them to God Believe God is the one and only true God you have to believe He is God and Jesus is Jesus Gods son. repent repen REPENT asl for forgiveness and try not to sin again.
i could go on but thats the jist of it. please check out this website www.gracecom.net and take a look at their sermon from sunday i think it may also answer your question

Stefanie - posted on 04/05/2010

Not by works but by grace are we saved...if we accept Jesus as our Savior, we will want to show His love and follow His teachings but this doesn't save us...it's proof of our faith if done through love and not any other motivating factor.

Ronda - posted on 04/05/2010

If you love Him you will obey HIm. Good works is a product of salvation not the other way around. We know a Christian by his works, because our love for HIm overflows into good works. If you accept HIm as your savior does not just mean lip service. It means mind body soul service. So in a nut shell; you get to heaven by having this wonderful relationship with God throught the Son He gave to enable that relationship.

Cherie - posted on 04/03/2010

Remember, Christ said "I am the truth, the light, the way...no one comes to the Father but through me". I strongly recommend getting into "The Truth Project" a small Bible group from Focus on the Family...a study was done and only 9% of Christians believe the Bible to be true...it'll give you your answer and them some...and remember, it's not what you believe as much as what God says...pray to Him, that he reveal Himself...it really works...and study the Bible....be very careful about what you "believe" versus what is said..that could be a slippery slope there...

Pare - posted on 04/02/2010

well there is only one way and it is to accept jesus as your saviour, (Romans 10:9)That if u confess with your mouth JESUS IS LORD and believe in your heart that GOD raised him from the dead you will be saved! (Acts 4:12) salvation is found in no one else for their is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved! so reading the bible will tell you all you need to know, it is GODS word!

Cynthia - posted on 04/02/2010

Indeed. I agree completely!

Jeannene - posted on 04/02/2010

We are told in the Holy Bible that we need to go to the Father in Heaven and repent of our sins and that He is just and will forgive our sins.

Genty - posted on 04/01/2010

Faith without work is dead. sincerely, even unbelievers do good deeds but the only way and ticket to heaven is Jesus Christ, accept him and sumit to him wills totally. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. God bless

Cynthia - posted on 04/01/2010

He told us plainly, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as much as you do yourself.

Only with the help of the Holy Spirit can this happen, and we must seek Him often, not drive Him away with our striving and judgements.

Faith without works is dead, since the beauties and glories of His love in our lives should produce an abundant harvest of hope and love in our own lives, more than enough to share with others. This can only happen if we believe the Word and practice its principles. Each has its own special fruit in our lives, and is visible so others can see how good life in the Kingdom is, how much we love one another and serve all humanity, just as our King did.

Lisa - posted on 03/31/2010

You have to give your body and mind to Christ. Jesus said, "Nobody gets to the Father except through me." You have to believe that God sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins and live your life in a way that would be pleasing to him. I agree with what others have said, it's not enough to just say you believe in Jesus. You have to have faith. Sometimes it's not easy but the reward in the end is well worth the hard times you may face here on earth trying to live up to His standards.

Sharon - posted on 03/31/2010

I believe that I willgo to heaven by obeying the ten comandments, askin for forgivenss for my sins because I am sure sin almost everyday ..... I do not always understand God ,but i do trust him

Nancy - posted on 03/31/2010

Works are the result of salvation. We do good works because we are saved-not to earn salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast." If we could work our way into heaven, Jesus went through a lot of suffering needlessly. It is because our works could not save us that God gave His only Son to die in our place for our sin. John 3:16, "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." From the cross of one of the criminals crucified beside Jesus, he said to Him...'"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.'" [Luke 23:42-43] I doubt the criminal had done anything at all to work his way into the paradise of Jesus. By faith, he believed that the grace of Jesus was enough! Christa, stand firm in your faith that Jesus is enough; and by the grace of God, I'll see you in heaven!

Diane - posted on 03/31/2010

This is an easy question. JESUS CHRIST

If you have not accepted Christ as your personal Savior, scriptures says you will be lost forever and you will not go to Heaven. Jesus said this Himself.

You can get baptized, do good works, but if you do not have Jesus where Jesus should be and that's in your heart...........you don't go period.

Look at what Jesus said in John 14:6............."Jesus answered, "I am THE way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Notice He said, THE WAY..........not "A WAY" Jesus said, I AM THE WAY TO THE FATHER. This should be clear to everyone that reads it.

God Bless

Brittany - posted on 03/31/2010

You must first repent of all your sins and earnestly mean it. Then you need to be baptized in Jesus name and he will give you the gift of the Holy Ghost. Once you recieve the Holy Ghost the spirit of Jesus is inside you and will guide you in the path God wants for your life. A lot of church don't believe this but if you go to an Apostolic or Pentecostal church that's where they believe in the book of Acts and that's how we live our lives. I have it and it's the best thing you will ever do for yourself. It will completely change your life for the better, There's nothing like waking up in the morning talking to God and him talking back and guiding you!!!

Carolyn - posted on 03/31/2010

Romans 10:9 "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved."

Breeanne - posted on 03/30/2010

Wow! lots of good replys here. The Bible says, says that Jesus is the door and that anyone who tries to get in by any other way is a thief and a liar. Simply put, Jesus is the only way!

Dee - posted on 03/30/2010

I believe you get to heaven by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Good works alone will not get you into heaven and being a good person alone will not get you into heaven.

Megan - posted on 03/30/2010

I agree with you that all we need to get to heaven is accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I believe that good works are important and that faith without works is empty, but we do not, cannot earn heaven through good works.

Carla - posted on 03/30/2010

If you haven't read 'The Shack', I highly recommend it. The topic is sad, but it shows The Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in such a beautiful light, you will never be the same.

Sarah - posted on 03/29/2010

Religion is always a hot topic. As long as we keep it simple this is a healthy and productive thread. I personally mean no offense to anyone. Everybody should be free to worship as they choose without being trampled upon by other people. ;) God bless!

Karen Sue - posted on 03/29/2010

I, too, believe you have to accept Jesus and follow Him, to get into heaven. Looks like this conversation got a little heated!!

Sarah - posted on 03/29/2010

Everything I stated can be found and supported by the Bible. ;)

Debi - posted on 03/29/2010

I believe the same. The only way to heaven is through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You can believe in God all you want, Satan does, but it wont get you there unless you accept His son in your heart.

It sounds nice to say if you're nice to others, give to charity, obey the 10 commandments etc, you'll get there, but that's not what the Bible says and since I believe the Bible, that's my belief on the subject.

Cath - posted on 03/29/2010

Yes, you ask Jesus into your heart to be Lord of your life. I also agree with another comment, based on scripture - that faith without works is dead. So, if you live a life with Jesus at the centre, its not just a one off decision, its a life you live, then you will go to heaven. Also...Read John Bevere's book "Driven by Eternity" it will absolutely revolutionise your thoughts on this question. Its an amazing book!

Joylyn - posted on 03/29/2010

for me on my own opinion, since u accept jesus as your personal savior, your name is been written on the book of life and by doing the LORD GOD's will and obeying him on what the bible says, live by the word of GOD until the end of your life, if u confess your sins to GOD, he is faithful and just and will forgive your sins and purify you from all unrigtheousness and there is one thing i know that he will not forgive you if you Reject Jesus as your personal savior...
God is a Good God and a loving father to his children.

Iysha - posted on 03/29/2010

I believe that you get into heaven by simply being a good person.... Trying to do the right thing when a situation presents itself.... Telling the truth...not stealing...not killing other people...simply just being a good person.

Christa - posted on 03/29/2010

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I guess we won't know for sure until we get there. I do believe I'm saved and I hope to see you all in Heaven. :-)

Lizette - posted on 03/29/2010

We go toheaven(paradise) when we accept the Lord Jeus Christ as our savior. But this life is a race...you have to maintain your Christian walk...You don't just accept the LORD and live like H&** all your life and expect to go to meet the LORD. We must love one another as we love ourselves and Love the LORD our God with all of our heart mind and body!

Elizabeth - posted on 03/29/2010

I belive it has to be a combination of both. We can all go to church and accept Jesus in our hearts but it has to show in your everyday life and not just on the sabbath. By doing good deeds we are showing God and Jesus that we can walk in the lord's way. Jesus lived among sinners and accepted them as his friends. He showed them the right path. By doing good deeds for others is showing them how to live as Jesus would want us to. As jesus said to his deciples "Come, I will show you how to be fishers of men.".

Christine - posted on 03/29/2010

I have no clue...and I am happy I don't. Actually, I am okay that I don't understand. I am not sure we are suppose to. I never ask myself these type of questions, because I feel my faith and God will tell me, when I need to know. I have faith, that when God calls me home, I'll get to have all my questions answered, so I can't really help you. Sorry.

Stephanie - posted on 03/29/2010

This post is so accurate, and so precise - today, my pastor compared the Cross with a Governmental Pardon. the Cross is the ultimate pardon. But the point of his sermon was a case brought before the United States Supreme Court where a guilty party refused his Presedenial pardon.
My pastor likened that response to those who sit in church and are choosing to ignore the Pardon of the Cross.
But - if you are a parent, and you do not allow your children access to Christ - you are sinning against God. If your children are younger than the "age of determination", then they will be affiliated with you. For instance, I am a Christian,and my baby wil be a Christian, until he reaches the ability to choose to not be a Christian, or to be saved. Well, I hope that he pickls Jesus!

Stephanie - posted on 03/29/2010

You are correct, The Bible supports you. Love to a sister in Christ.

Amy - posted on 03/29/2010

It is absolutely as simple as being in relationship with Christ. We have faith in him, and the way we know we have faith, and are in RELATIONSHIP is by obeying him! Just like our relationship with our children... we know they love us when they follow our rules and advice. Works aren't what get us in, but they are the evidence that we are on the right track in our relationship. Faith is the key to unlock the door, works are the keychain. errr, something. :D

You can do works without faith, but you can't have faith without works!