If you’ve read any of my travel blogs before, you know that this post is a little different from the usual. But, even as travelers, I believe it’s important that we ask ourselves about our ultimate destination: “Am I going to heaven?“
Here’s how to know if you’re going to heaven.
Am I going to heaven?
If you’re asking if you’re going to heaven, chances are that you don’t know how to get to heaven, which means you’re probably not on the right trajectory to go to heaven.
Don’t worry, I’ll teach you all about how to get to heaven in this article.
But, to quickly answer your question, you are going to heaven if you’re (A) perfect and without sin, or (B) have faith that Jesus died as a sacrifice for your sins.
But, what exactly does this mean? Can you sin and still go to heaven?
Can I sin and still go to heaven?
Yes, you can sin and still go to heaven.
The truth is, we all sin. In Romans 3:23, the apostle Paul writes, “…For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, New International Version).
None of us are perfect. If we’re completely honest with ourselves, we know that we have done things that have hurt other people, ourselves and, of course, God.
Unfortunately, this means that we cannot be in the presence of God in heaven because God, by definition, is both perfect and just. We, as sinners, are incapable of living up to his perfect standards of justice.
But, luckily, God is also merciful.
Paul continues in the next verse of Romans, “…And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith” (Romans 3:24, NIV).
This means, Jesus was sent by God as a sacrifice on behalf of us sinners. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life, so God allowed Jesus’s death to replace the eternal death that we actually deserve.
So, yes. If you sin, there is still hope for eternal life in heaven through Jesus Christ.
How can I make sure I go to heaven?
To make sure you go to heaven, you need two things: faith and repentance.
First, let’s discuss faith.
Just before Paul (who, by the way, wrote a large portion of the Bible) admits that we are all sinners, he says in Romans 3:22, “…Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22, NIV).
To become righteous (in other words, to become perfect) in God’s eyes and go to heaven, you need to truly accept that Jesus, God’s merciful gift to us, died on your behalf so that you could experience a personal relationship with God both in heaven and on Earth.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son [Jesus], that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).
Now, let’s talk about repentance.
“Repentance” is a churchy word that basically means “to ask God for forgiveness.” By now, you know you’ve done wrong. Admit your wrongdoings to God, and He will forgive you.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV).
And, not only do you need to ask for forgiveness, you also need to actively try to change your behavior away from sin. God helps make this possible.
As Paul says in Romans 12, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, NIV).
Note: you don’t need to have a fancy prayer prepared or go to a Catholic confessional to talk to God. All you need is to have a quiet, private conversation with God. He will hear you.
God says, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12-13, NIV).
Here’s an example prayer that you can pray to repent and restore your faith in God through Jesus.
How do I ask God to be saved?
To ask God to be saved, pray a prayer like this:
“God, I know I’ve messed up. I’ve done so many things throughout my life that have hurt others, hurt myself and have hurt you. I’m truthfully so sorry that I have done these things. I want to change. I want you to change me. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to die for me so that I can have a relationship with you. Thank you for your mercy and love. From now on, I dedicate my life to you. Transform my heart so that I may live a life that represents my faith in you. Amen.”
If you pray this prayer and mean it (God will know if you mean it or not), he will save you and begin to change your life for the better.
If you’re not sure whether you truly mean it yet, I encourage you to bookmark or take a screenshot of this prayer and take some time over the next few days to slowly read over each sentence to let the prayer soak in.
Think about how you’ve messed up, how amazing it is that a man (Jesus) died so that you don’t have to, and how much God must love you to give up his only son (Jesus).
“…’Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31, NIV).
Next Steps
Once you pray this prayer and truly mean it, first, know that heaven is celebrating you!
Luke 15:7 says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7, NIV).
Next, I encourage you to share your prayer with another believer you know. Or, if you don’t know another believer, you can reach out to me or to a local church where you can begin to see your new heaven-bound life transform with God.
Or, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] or send me a private message on Instagram. I’m here to help!
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