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While there are several steps that lead to an understanding of the way to Heaven, there’s only one step to Heaven, and that’s the step of faith in Christ.

Heaven is the eternal blessing or benefit of being in a right relationship with God. To have this relationship, God requires us to accept (faith) the provision He has made for the forgiveness of our sins. You see, sin separates us from God. Sin is a wall that stands between us and God:

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

Forgiveness of sin removes the wall. It’s through Jesus, and faith in Him, that we obtain this forgiveness—thus bringing us into a right relationship with God:

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

TO OBTAIN FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS, THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS WE MUST UNDERSTAND
AND BELIEVE:

1 That we are all sinners in the eyes of God, and therefore, separated from Him:

“There is no one righteous, not even one … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:10,23)

2 That God is just and must punish sin. If we die in our sins we will face God’s judgment for those sins:

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

“But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.’” (Romans 2:5-6)

3 That God loves us and has provided a way out—that it’s only through His one and only Son that we can have forgiveness of our sins and eternal life in His presence:

“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.” (John 3:16)

“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43)

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12)

4 That Jesus died on the cross for our sins (taking upon Himself the punishment we deserve) and rose from the dead—thereby, providing the way of forgiveness and the way to God:

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“...that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” (1 Peter 2:24)

5 That because of our sinful condition, there’s nothing we can do to earn forgiveness, but is a gift of God’s grace:

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

6 That forgiveness of sins and a right relationship with God is obtained by placing our faith in the Lord Jesus—trusting Him alone for the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” (John 3:36)

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

WE ARE A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NASB)

“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’” (John 3:3)

In Christ we’re literally born again (spiritually) as a new creation. We’re given a new nature, a new heart, a new life and a wonderful new purpose for living. We have a King who has supreme rule. He watches over us and directs our way in life as we serve to advance His kingdom. Being in a right relationship with God is truly life-changing.

WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

You’re only one step away from Heaven. Take that step of faith in Christ today.

JESUS INVITES YOU TO COME

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

This is personal between you and the Lord Jesus. If your heart is ready, take a moment to express your faith in Him as your Lord and Savior, thanking Him for all He did for you in providing for your salvation.

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