Response
Face the fact. The day we enter eternity may arrive sooner than anticipated. In preparation for that moment, it is crucial to understand this reality— not everyone will reach heaven. How can we be certain about our destiny in heaven? Around 2,000 years ago, the apostles Peter and John were proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to a large audience in Jerusalem. Peter made a significant declaration that still holds true in our contemporary world: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” «Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. », (Acts 4:12).
Even today, Acts 4:12 remains controversial. In current times, it is fashionable to claim, “Everyone will reach heaven” or “All paths lead to heaven.” Many believe they can attain heaven without embracing Jesus. They desire the rewards but are unwilling to bear the burden of the cross, let alone acknowledge the One who sacrificed there. Numerous individuals refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the exclusive path to heaven and are resolute in seeking an alternative route. However, Jesus cautions us that no other route exists and rejecting this truth leads to an eternity in hell. He stated that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” «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). Faith in Christ is the essential key to reaching
Heaven.
Some may argue that it is extremely narrow-minded of God to offer only one way to heaven. However, considering mankind’s rebellion against God, it is actually broad-minded of Him to provide any way to heaven. We deserve judgment, but God offers us an escape by sending His one-and-only Son to die for our sins. Whether someone perceives this as narrow or broad, it is the truth. The good news is that Jesus died and rose again; those who are destined for heaven have accepted this gospel through faith.
Today, many individuals adhere to a diluted gospel that eliminates the necessity for repentance. They prefer to believe in a “loving” (nonjudgmental) God who never mentions sin and requires no change in their way of life. They might express sentiments like, “My God would never condemn a person to hell.” Yet, Jesus spoke more about hell than He did about heaven, and He presented Himself as the Savior who provides the exclusive means of reaching heaven: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6).
Who will actually enter God’s kingdom? How can I ensure that I am going to heaven? The Bible clearly distinguishes between those who possess eternal life and those who do not: “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” «He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. », (1 John 5:12). It all comes down to faith. Those who believe in Christ are granted the status of children of God «But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: », (John 1:12). Those who accept
Those who accept Jesus’ sacrifice as the payment for their sins and believe in His resurrection will go to heaven. Conversely, those who reject Christ will not. “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” «He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. », (John 3:18).
As wonderful as heaven will be for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, hell will be equally dreadful for those who reject Him. One cannot read the Bible seriously without encountering this truth repeatedly—the line is clearly drawn. The Bible states that there is one and only one way to heaven—through Jesus Christ. Follow Jesus’ command: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Faith in Jesus is the sole means of reaching heaven. Those who have faith are assured of reaching there. Do you have faith in Jesus?
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