Do you know if you are going to heaven?

I was blessed to ask this question of my dying mother last summer. She considered herself a good person, and she was a devout church attendee. I tenderly held her hand, as she lay in her hospital bed, and asked, “Do you know if you are going to heaven?” She rocked her head and upper body from side to side as she thought for a moment, then tentatively replied, “I think so.”

My mother was unsure of her eternal fate. This woman spent eighty-seven years never missing church on Sunday and calling herself a faithful believer. She pressed her family to do the same and openly judged them for every behavior she deemed unholy or sinful. Yet, she was uncertain of her destiny. She must have been terrified lying in her hospital bed, knowing the end was inevitable and near.

Do you want what my mother did not have? Would you like to obtain the confidence that comes from knowing you are going to heaven? Assurance of life after earthly death is available. To quote a children's Sunday school song, "How do I know? The Bible tells me so.” Not only will faithful believers live with Jesus in heaven, but they will have a dwelling place provided by their Savior. The Bible tells us Jesus instructed His believers, "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

Do not think that you are unworthy. Heaven is not a destination reserved for those who appear righteous and make a practice of religion. Jesus fraternized with known sinners who were neither worthy nor religious. When Jesus was questioned about hanging out with sinners, He responded with the following: "It is not those who are healthy that need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Mark 2:17.

Jesus bids, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

He also instructed His followers, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6.

You ask, "How can I come to Jesus and receive eternal life in heaven with God the Father?"

1. “Repent of your sins and believe in the Gospel!” Mark 1:15.

   Jesus encourages us to "confess with sincere remorse our wrongdoings and believe in the Good News of Jesus Christ," which is found in the Holy Bible.

2. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.

Is it time to settle your future? Fall in love with Jesus. Invite Him to live in your heart. Proclaim that Jesus is the Leader of your life. Accept that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. Believe that Jesus was raised from the dead.

If you have asked Jesus to forgive you of your wrongdoing, have given Him authority over your life, and believe God raised Him from the dead, it is time to practice your faith.

Practicing your faith starts by locating and attending a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching Christian church in your area.

You are welcome to contact me through this site, and I will be happy to assist you in finding a church family. Even if you haven’t made this declaration of belief, feel free to contact me for help finding a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church.

When a loved one dies, peace can be found in knowing they have not died but have passed into eternal life. Yes, there will be earthly pain, and our loved ones will be missed. But comfort comes in knowing they are with Jesus, and one glorious day, we will be with them.

.

Death for Christian believers is not goodbye, just see you later!