Face it. The day when each of us will pass into eternity may come sooner than we think. In preparation for that time, we need to know this truth – not everyone goes to heaven. How can we know for sure that we are one of those who will spend eternity in heaven? About 2,000 years ago, the apostles Peter and John were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to a large crowd in Jerusalem. It was then that Peter made a profound statement that resonates even in our post-modern world: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” ( Acts 4:12).
As in the past, Acts 4:12 is not politically correct. It is very common today to say, “Everyone is going to heaven” or “All roads lead to heaven.” There are many who think they can have heaven without having Jesus. They want glory, but they do not want to consider the cross, much less the One who died there. Many do not want to accept Jesus as the only way to heaven and are determined to find another way. But Jesus Himself warns us that there is no other way and the consequence of not accepting this truth is an eternity in hell. He has clearly told us that “He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who does not believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” ( John 3:36 ). Faith in Christ is the key to heaven.
Some will say that God is very narrow-minded in providing only one way to heaven. But frankly, in view of mankind’s rebellious rejection of God, His provision of any way to heaven is extremely ample and generous. What we deserve is judgment, and in His judgment we do not deserve it. First, God gives us a way of escape by sending His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Whether anyone finds this narrow or broad, it is the truth. The good news is that Jesus died and rose again; those who go to heaven have received this gospel by faith.
Many people have believed a watered-down gospel that does away with the message of repentance for their sins. They want to believe in a loving God, who judges no one, who never mentions sin, and who expects no change in their lifestyle. They may say things like, “My God would never send a person to hell.” But Jesus talked more about hell than about heaven, and he presented himself as the Savior who offers the only way to heaven: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” ( John 14:6 ).
Who will actually enter the kingdom of God? How can I guarantee my eternal destiny? The Bible clearly makes a distinction between those who have eternal life and those who do not. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” ( 1 John 5:12 ). It all goes back to faith. Those who believe in Christ are made children of God ( John 1:12 ). Those who have accepted His sacrifice as payment for their sins, and who believe in His resurrection, will go to heaven. Those who reject Him will not. “He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” ( John 3:18 ).
As awesome as heaven will be for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, hell will be far more terrifying for those who reject Him. One cannot read the Bible seriously without seeing it over and over again – the line is drawn. The Bible is very clear that there is only one way to heaven – through Jesus Christ. He has given us this warning: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. For small is the gate and difficult is the road that leads to life, and few find it” ( Matthew 7:13-14 ).
Faith in Jesus is the only way to heaven. Those who have faith are guaranteed to get there. Do you trust Jesus?
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