The Assurance

Of Life In Heaven...

It's NOT Too Late!!!

The Lord's Offer

Come unto Me,

all you who labor

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you

and learn of Me . . .

for I am meek and lowly in heart,

and you shall find rest

unto your souls.

For My yoke is easy

and My burden is light.

(Matt 11:28-30)

The Bible tells us the Kingdom of Heaven will be filled with peace and beauty . . . and it tells us Heaven is where we will find our "rest" and our "peace"... forever and ever and evermore!!!  The Bible says no human words can ever fully describe the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Bible also warns every person has a soul,

and every soul will be judged . . .

The real ("long") life God has prepared for us will not start until after our Earthly body dies.  The Bible says this short life on Earth is merely a test, and God is using this time to separate the "wheat from the chaff" and the "sheep from the goats," separating those people who sincerely want to be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven . . .

First, the "Bad News" (let's hear the bad news before the good news) . . .

Our Problem ...

1.  The problem is most people don’t believe (or won’t believe) they will really be judged after they die.  It is a fearful thing so most people simply deny it, trivialize it, or just ignore it. 

Yet, the Bible clearly warns . . .

 "And as it is appointed for men to die once,

    but, after this the Judgment"  (There is no reincarnation ... and no 'Purgatory')

    (Hebrews 9:27)

2.  The Bible also warns us there are two deaths:  The first death is the death of these earthly bodies which we will all experience (unless the Rapture happens first) ... And then the second death which is being cast into Hell (which is the death we are told we should fear) . . .

 "He that hath an ear, (that's everybody)

   let him hear what the Holy Spirit says unto the churches;

   He who overcomes (through faith in Jesus Christ ...Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew)

   shall not be hurt

   by the second death (Hell)."  (Because we've been saved into the Kingdom of Heaven)

   (Revelation 2:11)

 "Blessed and holy is he

   that has part in the first resurrection:  (for those will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven)

   on such the second death (Hell) has no power,

   but they shall be priests of God and of Christ (Messiah),

   and shall reign with him a thousand years."
   (Revelation 20:6)

 "But the fearful, (afraid of what 'others' might think about following and trusting in Jesus)

   and unbelieving,

   and the abominable, (this covers many sins including sexual immorality, homosexuality, etc.)

   and murderers,

   and whoremongers  ('porneo' ... from which we get the word 'pornography'),

   and sorcerers  ('pharmakeus' ... drugs),

   and idolaters, (wanting-desiring-loving anything more than God/Jesus ... work, sports, music, etc.)

   and all liars,

   shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone:

   which is the second death (Hell)."
   (Revelation 21:8)

 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

   But instead fear Him (God-Jesus)

   who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell."   (The second death ...)

   (Matthew 10:28)

Our Predicament . . .

The Bible warns NO sinners (unrighteous) will “inherit” or "will enter into" the Kingdom of Heaven ... 

Yet, the Bible warns we are all sinners ("there is none righteous, no not one"... Romans 3:10), and the Bible says if we say we have no sin we are liars and are calling God a liar ...
 

 "If we say that we have no sin,
   we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
   If we confess our sins, 
   He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins  
   and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.    (He is filled with mercy and forgiveness ...)
   If we say that we have not sinned,
   we make Him (God) a liar,
   and His Word is not in us."
   (1 John 1:8-10)

The Bible warns until we acknowledge we are sinners and we desperately need a "Savior" to save us from our sins (past, present, and future) we won't be saved from Hell. 

How many sins does it take to make a sinner?  One. 

The Bible warns if we commit one sin we are guilty of all sins (James 2:10).  So, whether we have committed (or are committing) any sin the Bible warns against such as gossip, harboring hate in our heart, murder, stealing, sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage), homosexuality, abortion, adultery, "hardening our heart" and refusing to forgive someone, telling a lie, being greedy and selfish with all that God has freely given us, being self-righteous (looking at the splinters in everybody else's eye (life) while ignoring the logs in our own), being filled with 'sinful pride' (unwilling to submit to authority or to anyone - "Nobody is going to tell me what to do!"), breaking the marriage vows (divorcing) for any reason other than what the Bible approves, having been "disobedient to parents", or a "drunkard", or using drugs for pleasure or addiction, or having enough material comforts to "feel content without God" and without acknowledging and sincerely thanking Him for them, or feeling 'discontent' with whatever it is we do have (such as our wife, husband, job, house, money, car, circumstances, etc ... called “covetous” in the Bible), or are short-tempered, rude, and angry (symptoms of sinful "puffed up" pride) . . .

Whatever the sin is in our life (past, present, or future) the Bible tells us God will forgive us if we ask and are willing to "repent" (which simply means to turn back to God and His ways while sincerely trying to stop doing all those things the Bible says are wrong ... and seeking His help when we can't do it on our own.)  We are also to trust in Jesus (Yeshua) completely (even when we fail ... and we will all fail) and admit our sins to God as we sincerely ask for His forgiveness.  God offers this gift of forgiveness through His Son who lovingly paid for ALL of our sins (past, present, and future) on the Cross, with the blood which He shed for our sins. 

All believing Christians who enter into the Kingdom of Heaven have had to come face-to-face with the fact we are all sinners and desperately need a "Savior" to save us from our sins and from Hell . . . and through repenting (turning away) from those things which are against God's Law and by trusting in Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) and His completed work on the Cross, we can have ALL of our guilt lovingly and graciously lifted and removed from us as far away as "the east is from the west."

Yet, Jesus warns 'many' who call themselves Christian will not enter into His Kingdom of Heaven ...
 

   "I know your works,

     that you are neither cold nor hot.

     I could wish you were cold or hot.  (In your love for Jesus Christ ... God's Word)

     So then, because you are lukewarm,

     and neither cold nor hot,

     I will vomit you out of My mouth.   (and into the aloneness, darkness, and torments of Hell)

     Because you say,

     'I am rich, have become wealthy,

     and have need of nothing' ... (No thanksgiving ..."I've done okay on my own ... I don't need God")

     He who has an ear, let him hear

     what the Spirit says to the churches." 

     (Revelation 3:14-17,22)

   "Not everyone who says to Me (Jesus), 'Lord, Lord,'     (calling themselves 'Christian')
    shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven ...
    Many ('most' or 'majority') will say to Me in that Day (of Judgment),
    'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied (taught) in your Name,
    cast out demons in Your Name,
    and done many wonders in Your Name?'
    And then (at the judgment), I (Jesus) will declare to them
    'I never knew you
    Depart from Me (departing from Heaven and into Hell)
    you who practice lawlessness'"
    (Matthew 7:21-23)

1.  "I never knew you"... How do we know if we "know" Him?

 "Now by this we know that we know Him,
   If we keep His commandments. 
   He who says, "I know Him,"
   and does not keep His commandments, is a liar,
   and the truth is not in him.
   But whoever keeps His Word, (as found in the Bible)
   truly the love of God is perfected in him."
   (1 John 2:3-6)

2.  "You who practice lawlessness." 

The Bible is God's Word ... and God's Law.  So, "you who practice lawlessness" includes all those who without 'repentance' or 'remorse' willfully oppose, reject, break, or ignore God's Law and God's Word as found in the Bible.  It doesn't matter whether it "feels" right or not ... the Bible warns throughout this life our "flesh" (that wants to sin) will war against our "spirit" (that wants to do right and do good.)   We will all sin ... but we need to acknowledge it, confess it before God, seek His forgiveness, and repent, which means turning away from our sin and sincerely trying to stop doing all those things that are against God's Law (and pray for His help, strength, and power when we are having a difficult time stopping on our own) . . .

A stark warning . . .

   "For if we sin willfully    (with no remorse, no repentance, and no battle with the Spirit inside us)

     after we have received the knowledge of the truth,

     there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" 

     (Hebrews 10:26)   (And without a "sacrifice for our sins" we have no hope of escaping Hell ...)

Now, for the Good News ... ("Gospel" is the word 'Good News' in Greek!!!)

   "As many as I (Jesus) love, I rebuke and chasten. 

     Therefore be zealous (not lukewarm) and repent.  

     Behold, I stand at the door and knock.

     If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,

     I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  

     To him who overcomes (the world's desire to hate, reject, or be ashamed of Jesus Christ ...)

     I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne (in Heaven), 

     as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His Throne.  (What an awesome promise ...)

     He who has an ear, let him hear  

     what the Spirit says to the churches."   (This means His offer and promise is for everybody!!!)

     (Revelation 3:19-22)

Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) said He came to "save sinners" ... lots of them ... both Jew and Gentile ... any and all who would believe and trust in Him.  God has gone to incredible lengths to make it simple for us to enter into His Kingdom of Heaven.  His offer is free and it is not based on our righteousness or "goodness," but on His ...

Jesus (Messiah) died to provide our way into His Kingdom of Heaven.  He came to save us from Hell.  He paid the debt for all of our sins on the Cross.  Jesus lovingly and willingly took the punishment and torment which would be "due" for all of our sins (past, present, and future) upon Himself.  Our debt, "paid in full," by Him.  We only have to accept it in faith by sincerely believing and trusting in Him alone to save us from our sins ... and 'repenting' from our sins (which simply means to stop and to turn back to God and His ways (which are good) through Jesus-Yeshua). 

When we sincerely repent and believe (trust) in Jesus Christ there is a substitution of His perfect righteousness (and innocence) for our unrighteousness (and guilt.)  The Bible says His Righteousness is placed upon us ... and God then sees us in His perfect righteousness ... and no longer sees us clothed in our unrighteousness!  The penalty for our sins has been paid in full ... 

We are MADE righteous through Christ Jesus ("washed" clean by His innocent blood ... and then "clothed" in His perfect righteousness through faith and trusting in Him) ... and are now made acceptable to God ... forever and ever! 

The Bible also warns we can never "earn" our way into Heaven through "good works," good deeds, money, or through anybody else.  The Bible says we are saved (from our sins and from Hell) through "faith" and faith alone ... faith in Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) ... faith that His innocent and righteous blood which was shed on the Cross washes away all our sins ... faith that He was buried and was raised from the dead the third day (as "the first fruits of the Resurrection") ... and that He now is seated on His throne in Heaven ("interceding" and "mediating" for us) . . .

   "For by GRACE you have been saved (from your sins and from Hell)

     through faith (in Jesus Christ ... Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew),

     and that not of yourselves;

     it is the gift of God,   (‘Grace’ is getting something we don’t deserve … we can't buy this gift)

     NOT of works,   (we can’t enter Heaven through any “good deeds” we have done)

     lest anyone should boast."  (we are told it’s a gift from God … we have to thankfully receive it)

     (Ephesians 2:8)

The Bible warns Jesus is the door ... the only door into Heaven ... and it is His innocent blood that washes us clean from all of our sins.  His blood on the Cross was shed for us to protect us from the second death which we are told is the darkness, loneliness, and torment of Hell . . .

    Jesus said to him,

   "I am the Way (into Heaven), the Truth, and the Life. 

     NO ONE comes to the Father (into Heaven)

     except through Me."

     (John 14:6) 

   “Jesus said to her,

   ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life. (in Heaven)

     He who believes (trusts) in Me,

     though he may die,  (our bodily death)

     he shall live   (forever ... in Heaven).

     And whoever lives and believes in Me

     shall never die    (the "second death" ... in Hell).

     Do you believe this?’"   (This is the question every man and woman must answer ...)

     (John 11:25)

   "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus

    and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,

    you will be saved."    (And welcomed with tears of joy into the Kingdom of Heaven)

    (Romans 10:9)

   "For God so loved the world

    that He gave His only begotten Son,

    that whoever believes in Him  (Jesus Christ ... Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew)

    should not perish (in Hell)

    but have everlasting life (in Heaven).

    For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

    but that the world through Him might be saved (into Heaven).

    He who believes in Him is not condemned (to Hell);

    but he who does not believe (in Jesus-Yeshua)

    is condemned (to Hell) already"   (The implications of this verse are staggering!)

    (John 3:16-18)

The Bible warns it won't be easy ...

   "Because narrow is the gate

     and difficult is the way

     which leads to life (in Heaven),

     and there are few who find it." 

     (Matthew 7:14)

But, for all who reject Jesus Christ  (God's Love) . . .

   "The Son of Man (Jesus) will send out His angels,

    and they will gather out of His Kingdom

    ALL things that offend,

    and those who practice lawlessness  (sinning willfully … without repentance or remorse),

    and will cast them into the furnace of fire.

    There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

    (Matthew 13:41-42)

   "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,

    and is himself (his soul) destroyed or lost?

    For whoever is ashamed of Me (Jesus Christ) and My words,

    of him the Son of Man will be ashamed (on the day of Judgment)  . . ."

    (Luke 9:25-26)

   "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me (Jesus Christ) before men,

    him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.

    But he who denies Me before men

    will be denied before the angels of God."

    (Luke 12:8-9)

   "So it will be at the end of the Age.

    The angels will come forth,

    separate the wicked from among the just,

    and cast them into the furnace of fire.

    There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

    (Matthew 13:49-50)

Our King . . .

     "Now I saw Heaven opened,

       and behold, a white horse.

       He had a Name written that no one knew except Himself.

       He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood,

       and His Name is called The Word of God.

       And the armies in Heaven, clothed in fine linen,

       white and clean, followed Him on white horses.

       Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword,

       that with it He should strike the nations.

       And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.

       He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness

       and wrath of Almighty God.

       And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

       KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

       (Revelation 19:11-16)     (Amen ...)

NOTE: Many people today do not know whether or not they (or their loved ones) will go to Heaven.  Many have not been adequately taught what the Bible actually says and teaches ...

For the Assurance of Life in Heaven . . . A.C.T. NOW!!! 

-  Acknowledge you are a sinner and have sinned against God's Law ...

-  Confess your sins to God

-  Turn back to God and God's Word ... and away from sinful activities ("repent")

-  Trust (believe) completely in Jesus Christ  (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) ...

     -  That He died for your sins on the Cross ...

     -  That He was buried ... 

     -  That He was powerfully raised (Resurrected) from the dead the third day ...

     -  And that He is now seated on His throne ... in Heaven!!!  

        (Notice He did all the work ... all you have to do is "believe.")

If you do these things … sincerely and in faith … the Bible says you can have the complete assurance of eternal life in Heaven.  The Bible tells us Jesus (Yeshua) did all the work for you when He died on the Cross, was buried, and was raised (resurrected) from the dead through the fearful ... and wonderful ... power of God.  The Bible says you can’t add anything to it!  When you turn away from your sinful ways and turn back to God ("repent") ... then believe and trust in (and love) Jesus Christ as your "Savior" (who lovingly saves you from your sins and from Hell) you can have the complete peace and assurance in your heart that when you die, you will enter into His Kingdom of Heaven ... forever and ever … it’s God’s Promise!!! 

The only thing God asks a non-believer to do is to "believe"... life in Heaven is a gift!!! 

Yet, many don't realize God’s loving offer contains both a “Blessing” and a “Curse” . . .

   "For God so loved the world

     that He gave His only begotten Son,

     that whoever believes in Him    (to trust in Jesus)

     should NOT perish (in Hell)

     but have everlasting life (in Heaven).

     For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

     but that the world through Him might be saved (into Heaven).

     He who believes in Him is not condemned (to Hell);

     but he who does not believe (in Jesus Christ)

     IS CONDEMNED (to Hell) ALREADY"     (The implications of this verse are staggering!)

     (John 3:16-18)     

Please remember . . .

The Kingdom of Heaven is available to every man, woman, boy, and girl in this world.  It is freely offered to any and all who will receive it.  Simply learn of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew), invite Him into your life as Lord, believe He died on the Cross for all of your sins and rose from the grave (proving there is life in Heaven).  Learn of Him and believe in Him ... for He was the only one who has ever loved you enough to substitute Himself for you on the Cross (which represents Hell).  He shed His blood, suffered, and died on the Cross as the "Passover Lamb of God" to save you from the utter torment and darkness of Hell ... if you will accept it. 

That is why Jesus (Yeshua) is called "Savior."  He now lovingly and graciously offers you life in His Kingdom of Heaven ... and it is a "take it or leave it" proposition.  If you sincerely admit you have sinned (which means you will need a Savior) and sincerely believe Jesus lovingly paid the debt for all of your sins on the Cross, and honestly try to stop doing those things God says are wrong, you will go to Heaven  ...  It's God's Promise!!!

The only unpardonable sin is to reject God's love and His free offer of life in Heaven by rejecting Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who stepped forth from Heaven ... not to condemn the sinner, but to save the sinner (from Hell) and who willingly and lovingly shed His blood on the Cross so we can be washed clean of all of our sins.  The Bible warns there will be no peace in our hearts until we make peace with God through His Son, the Messiah, Lord Jesus Christ . . .  

 "Therefore being justified by faith,    ('justified' means 'just as if all our sins had never happened')

   we have peace with God     (this verse comforts like a soft pillow for a weary head ...)

   through our Lord Jesus Christ"

   (Romans 5:1)

And with open arms and with tears of joy He will welcome any and all into the Kingdom of Heaven who willingly come to Him through the One He sent forth to save us sinners ... Jesus Christ  (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) ...'LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS"... our Savior!!!

Grace and Shalom