by

GF Herrin

Unlike all other religions, the Christian faith leaves no doubt as to whether you are going to Heaven or not. The religions of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and even Roman Catholicism hinge on doing good works to enter into Heaven.  Muslims believe that their good works are weighed against their bad works on the scales of Allah.  Roman Catholics believe that yes, Jesus had to die for their sins but they must be baptized, belong to a Roman Catholic church, hold to the working of the sacraments, and demonstrate good works as proof that they are saved to go to Heaven.

Any religion that is based on works or some combination of works and faith is in essence a dead end path. Biblical Christianity holds to a one-time event as the key activity that gets the believer to Heaven.  That event began with Justification – Jesus of Nazareth dying on the cross for mankind as a substitutionary atonement for sins. The second component of that event is repenting of sins and putting your faith in what Jesus did for you by taking the punishment that you deserve for your sins.

We talk to a lot of people who when asked if they think they are going to Heaven say, “I hope so, but don’t know for sure”. Let’s face it, life is way too short to not know for sure where you are going.  If your faith does not provide you certain knowledge of salvation, then, what good is it?

Merely believing that there is a God, is not enough, though. “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:19). Head knowledge is not sufficient. The natural order of God’s creation affirms that there is a creator, God.

The Bible provides a certain hope that salvation is found in no other being but the Messiah, Jesus.

Look at Acts 4:12 for example,

Paul writes, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Once cannot merely believe in God. One must believe on Him, and on His Son, Jesus who died as the only means to provide your forgiveness for the sins that you have committed.

“And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30-31).

This is a sure faith, not one that is in doubt. But it is not dependent on your good works or anything that you have done.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephes. 2:8-9).

All you must do is repent and believe.