Plan of Salvation

What do you understand it takes for a person to go to Heaven?

Consider how the Bible answers this question: It's a matter of FAITH.

F is for FORGIVENESS

We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses" (Eph. 1.7a).

A is for Available

Forgiveness is available. It is-
  • Available for all. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3.16).
  • But not automatic. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 7.21a).
I is for Impossible

It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.
  • Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgment is against sin. "For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn’t shown mercy" (James 2.13a).
  • Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3.23).
T is for Turn

Turn means to repent.
  • Turn from something: sin and self. "Unless you repent, you will all perish as well!" (Luke 13.3b)
  • Turn to Someone: trust Christ only. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Rom. 10.9).
H is for Heaven

Heaven is eternal life.
  • Here. "I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance" (John 10.10b).
  • Hereafter. "If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also" (John 14.3).
How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? But trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection I can be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleased You. Thank You, Jesus for saving me. Amen.
After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend about this important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer's baptism and church membership. Grow in your faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming part of His church. There, you'll find others who will love and support you.