Written Friday October 17th 2007
Posted Monday October 22nd 2007
What The Bible Says About Getting Into Heaven …. Series – Heaven Real or Myth
The Bible has quite a bit to say about how and who will enter heaven. The people of the world have quite a bit to say on the topic as well; much of which is unfounded in the Word of God. The Word of God is the determining factor of all things and most especially of this subject matter.
“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. [ Jesus speaking] – Matt. 5:20
Jesus wanted it made clear that the idea of righteousness portrayed during His time here on earth was not a sufficient righteousness for entering heaven. The comparison He gave, at the time, was the spiritual and religious leaders of the period. To those listen to Him must have perplexed since in their view spiritual and religious leaders were most likely considered the most righteous of people. Not good enough in Jesus view of the grand picture! To counterfeit holiness is and was never enough.
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— – 1 Cor. 15:5
God’s very own creation, the mortal body, is not good enough for heaven. One cannot enter heaven clothed in this earthly temple. We must first be changed into that righteous perfection which awaits us. This form will be without blemish, wrinkle, spot, distortion, pain, or aging. Whether we die prior to Jesus’ return and enter heaven or are taken to heaven by Him upon His return, we will enter that majestic place in an ideal state of being. We will be forever changed.
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. - Rev. 22:14
Our society in many ways has forgotten the importance of obedience, obedience to God and His commands. The attitude today is that one charts their own course and sets their own path in life. This is just the opposite of what God desires. Where is that path leading them? Is it headed for heaven? Or is it headed for hell? Our obedience affects both our life here today and our life in the next life.
7“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’ [Jesus speaking] – Rev. 2:7
10“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’[Jesus speaking] – Rev. 2:10, 11
It is my fervent hope for each of you that you are never faced with the choice between renouncing Christ and giving up your human life. Some however, will, and have, faced such a moment. Some have, and will, renounced Christ only to their eternal deteriment. Still there will be others who have, and will, stand strong and overcome their fear, while possibly losing their life. To those the crow of life awaits them in heaven. For them the second death will hold no sting.
5Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [Jesus speaking] – John 3:5
18“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [Jesus speaking] – John 3:18
In order to enter heaven there is the need for transformation. One must be what some refer to as, “born again” to enter heaven upon their death or Jesus’ return to earth. This comes through a trust and dependence upon Jesus, the Messiah, for salvation. Barring getting into a lengthy explanation of the dispensations of grace, there is but one litmus test for heaven. If you are alive today and reading this you must go through Jesus to get into heaven.
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” [Jesus speaking] – Luke 10:20
Those who have acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and chosen Jesus as their Lord and Savior have their names written in a book housed in heaven. The names of those people, written in that book, will be granted entrance into heaven with the time comes. Jesus does the writing in this book. Is your name in the book?
