Are You Sure You Are Going to Heaven?

One of my favorite movies is "Lone Survivor," the true story of four Navy Seals who were dropped from a helicopter behind enemy lines for a high-risk mission.  All was going well until local shepherd spotted them and reported them to the local village.  Soon they were surrounded by dozens of enemy soldiers and got into a fierce battle for survival.  With one soldier dead, and two wounded, Lt. Michael Murphy knew that their only chance was to call for help.  Unable to get a clear signal, he left his cover and moved out into the open.  As he was making the call, he was shot in the back and collapsed.  Still, he was able to pull himself up, finish the call, and keep fighting until he bled out.  He gave his life to save his teammate, Marcus Luttrell.

The Bible says this is the greatest kind of love -- laying your life down for others (Jn 15:13).  And that is exactly what Jesus Christ did for you so that you could go to heaven. 

You are a sinner (Rm 3:23).  You have offended God.  And you deserve to go to hell for all eternity (Mt 25:46).  You can't save yourself.  You can't earn your way to heaven.  You can't pay for your sins with good deeds.  The consequence of rebelling against an infinite God is infinite punishment.  But while you were still God's enemy, Christ came to earth and died in your place, for your sins.  He willingly gave His life so that you could be saved.  Now, because of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven, and reconciled to God, and inherit eternal life.  Now we can go to heaven instead of hell.

But there's something you must do to receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life.  Repent and have faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). 

1. You must repent of your sins -- turn from a self-centered life to a God-centered life.  Hand over the steering wheel of your life to Jesus.  Forsake your sins.  Repentance is not a promise to be perfect, but to pursue God's will with all your heart.  
2. Have faith in Jesus Christ.  Believe that Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, paid for your sins on the cross, and rose again.  Believe that He is the Son of God.  The way, the truth, and the life.  Trust in His sacrifice, and not in your own good work.

The Bible promises that whoever turns to Christ in repentant faith will not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16).

If you are not sure that you are going to heaven, then please make this decision today.  Take a moment to get alone and say a simple prayer like this one:

Dear Jesus, I'm so sorry for my many sins against You.  Please forgive me.  I repent of my sins and turn my life over to Your control.  I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again.  Please save me.  Change me.  Give me eternal life.  Help me to live for you from this day forward.  Amen.

If you would like to talk to someone about how to be saved and make sure that you are going to heaven, I would love to help.  Please reach out to me.  God bless!