The Bible Way to Heaven: How to Be 100% Sure You Are Saved
If you were to die today, do you know for certain that you would spend eternity in Heaven? There isn’t a more important question you could ask yourself. The Bible tells us that this assurance is not based on your performance, your church attendance, or your status, but entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ. The Bible also tells us that we can be certain about going to Heaven–it isn’t a “hope so” or a guess. Here is what the Word of God says.
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1) Faith begins with the acceptance of the Creator. You cannot be reconciled to a God you refuse to acknowledge.
Biblical Steps to Understanding Salvation
You Can Be Certain of Salvation
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)
We can be certain of our eternal home. It is something we can know!
Admit That You Are a Sinner
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
There is none righteous, no, not one. Because God is perfectly holy, our sin—our failure to meet His standard of perfection—separates us from Him.
Realize the Penalty for Sin is Hell
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
The penalty for sin is not merely physical death, but eternal separation from God’s love in the Lake of Fire. You must realize that you are a sinner who deserves this punishment.
Believe That Jesus Christ Was Punished for You
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day. He took the wrath of God that was rightfully yours upon Himself.
Understand That Salvation is Not of Works
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:5)
“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b)
You cannot earn your way to Heaven. Baptism, church membership, turning (repenting) from your sins, or living a “good life” cannot save you. These are works, and they are insufficient to wash away your sin.
Trust in Jesus Christ Alone
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)
Salvation is a total reliance on Jesus Christ as your only hope. You must place your faith entirely in Him alone, not yourself, not your good deeds or your effort, or in any other thing.
Know That Salvation is Eternal and Secure
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come… shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
Once you have truly believed, you have everlasting life. Because it is God’s gift and God’s promise—and because God cannot lie—you can never lose your salvation. As a child of God, you are sealed forever.
The Deciding Moment: How to Receive God’s Free Gift
Eternal life is a gift, but a gift must be received. If you understand your need, believe that Jesus paid your debt, and wish to place your trust in Him, you can call upon Him now. It is your faith in Jesus, not the mere words, that saves you. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
A prayer of faith you can pray right now:
“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that I deserve to go to Hell. I believe that You died for my sins, were buried, and rose again. I am putting my trust in You alone to save me and take me to Heaven when I die. Amen.”
