How do I get in to Heaven?

This message will answer one of my favorite questions - How do I get in to Heaven (Eternal Relationship with God)? This is the basic, foundational teaching of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Every other aspect of practical Christian life is based on this foundational truth.

So how do you get in to Eternal Relationship with God? What do you think?

What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. (Romans 9:30-32) 

The above scriptures talk about two kinds of people. The first kind- the Gentiles or ungodly people did not pursue righteousness but attained it by faith. The second kind- the religious people pursued righteousness but did not attain it. It says they failed because they related to God based on the works of the law (what they did) and not by faith.   

The people who tried to get right with God by what they did (Example: being good, doing the right thing, keeping the commandments, observing religious practices) the scripture says: did not attain right standing with God. But who did? The scripture says: those who had faith.

In the Book of Matthew Jesus said something beyond human thought and imagination.

He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. (Matthew 21:31) 

Jesus said: the tax collectors and prostitutes enter into the Kingdom of God before you!

How?

What have the sinners believed to attain right-standing with God? 

Read on: 

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ (Leviticus 17:11) 

This Old Testament scripture marvelously explains the Good News of Jesus Christ. It speaks of how God has given blood to us upon the altar to make atonement for our souls.

What makes atonement for our souls? 

And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22)

It is the blood that makes atonement, right? The blood here is a shadow of the blood of Jesus Christ that was given for us upon the altar (the cross) for the atonement of sins.

and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:20)

And it is those who have faith in the blood (the death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ that attain right standing with God. (Romans 9:30-32)

whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, (Romans 3:25) 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7)

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Revelations 1:5-6)

So if you accept that you are sinner (Romans 3:23) and believe that Jesus Christ took the punishment for all your sins you will receive right standing with God as a gift. (Ephesians 2:8)

Everyone who relates to God based on their works always fails in some way or an other but those who put their faith in Christ are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)

This is the TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE NEWS of Jesus Christ. 

I know there are some who say I cannot accept that I am a sinner. I am a pretty good person. For you I have this special scripture: 

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10) 

The scripture says: if you stumble even at one point you are guilty of breaking all of the Laws of God. Perfection is what God demands if you want to relate to him based on your works. 

You might be a good person but I am sure you are not perfect. I am sure you have said a lie, looked at a woman with lust and coveted sometime or an other. Do not be deceived, no unclean person will enter the Kingdom of God.

But sin or uncleanness is no longer an issue and cannot keep you out of Heaven (Eternal relationship with God) because God has provided a great answer - the blood of Jesus that washes all uncleanness.

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. (Romans 10:9)

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