What determines if a person goes to heaven or hell?

Answer

John 3:16–18 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Apart from the work of Jesus Christ, every human is condemned to an eternity in hell «And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.», (Revelation 20:15). However, God has freely offered the gift of heaven. What determines if a person goes to heaven or hell for eternity is whether that person has been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ (Romans 4; Galatians 3:23-29; Hebrews 11).

Going to hell is the default position of humanity. Going to heaven is the free gift of God’s grace, received by faith, offered to all people (Ephesians 2:1-10). God wants people to be reconciled with Him, so He provided the way «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). Every person is invited to go to heaven.

Going to heaven or hell has everything to do with God’s act of rescue. When God created the world, everything was very good «And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.», Genesis 1:31. He created humanity in His image. He provided food for them but told them there was one tree from which they were not allowed to eat. They were to trust His provision, follow His commands, remain in close relationship with Him, and experience fullness of life. However, they were also free to disobey Him, which would result in death (Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 6:23).

Adam and Eve, the first humans, ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). This is commonly referred to as “original sin,” and it has enduring effects. Our relationship with God, with one another, and with the created world is broken. Death is now a reality in our world. The sin of Adam is passed down to all his descendants— all of humanity “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”, (Romans 5:12).

Even as God explained to Adam and Eve the consequences of their disobedience, He promised a Savior “and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”, (Genesis 3:15,21) “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”, (Genesis 3:15,21)! One would come who would ultimately restore humanity to God.

That Savior is Jesus Christ. Jesus is known as “God with us” (Matthew 1:20-23). He is fully God and fully human. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to a virgin named Mary. He is God in the flesh, the one who reconciles humans and God “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every…”.

Spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God: (1 John 4:2). He is the Creator who entered into His creation to restore it to Himself (Colossians 1:15-19).

Jesus lived a fully human life, including undergoing temptation to sin, and He perfectly obeyed all of God’s ways (Romans 5:12-21; Hebrews 4:14-16). He willingly died on the cross as a payment for our sin (John 10:17-18; Hebrews 9:14—10:18; 1 Peter 3:18). From the cross, He proclaimed, “It is finished” «When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. », (John 19:30). Jesus rose from the dead, demonstrating that He is who He claims and that He is victorious over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 50-57). All who put their faith in Him receive forgiveness of sin (Colossians 2:13-15). Jesus takes their sin and gives them His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 2:1-10). Because of that forgiveness, they will go to heaven.

Whether a person goes to heaven or hell has everything to do with God. He freely offers the gift of eternity in heaven with Him. He invites everyone to believe, to submit to Him as Lord, to receive His rescue, and to enjoy fullness of life in Him (Hebrews 4:1-13).

Do you know if you will go to heaven or hell? If not, resolve the matter now. If you have inquiries about who God is or what salvation entails, please feel free to ask us. If you acknowledge that you are estranged from God and that He has provided the means of forgiveness and reconciliation, accept His offer of salvation today through faith! Romans 10:9–10 states, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

There is no specific prayer you must recite. However, if you would like a guide on how to pray to receive God’s gift, we recommend something like this:

God, I acknowledge that I have strayed from your ways, that I justly deserve condemnation. I recognize that you are loving, merciful, gracious, and just. I have faith that you have made reconciliation attainable. I believe that Jesus is the sole Savior, and I surrender to Him as Lord. I believe He is entirely divine, fully human, lived a flawless life, died on the cross for my sins, and was bodily resurrected. I trust that His sacrifice is adequate for my sins and that His righteousness can be imputed to me. Please pardon me. Please adopt me as your child through Jesus Christ. Please bestow upon me your Spirit and fulfill your work of sanctification in me. I am grateful for your salvation.

Have you made a decision for Christ based on what you have read here? If so, kindly click on the “I have accepted Christ today” button below.