The Gospel

What Do We Need to Believe to Enter Heaven?

1. Jesus Christ Is God the Son

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the eternal God of the universe. Believing in who He is, not just knowing about Him, is essential for salvation.

• Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)
• “Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) – Here, Jesus refers to Exodus 3:14, where God reveals Himself as “I AM” to Moses.
• “I and My Father are One.” (John 10:30) – Declaring His divine nature.

Jesus is fully God and fully man. He will return to judge the world, separating the saved from the lost (Matthew 25:31-34).

2. All Have Sinned and Need Forgiveness

No matter how good a person thinks they are, everyone has broken God's Law and fallen short of His standard.

• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
• “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)

Sin separates us from God. Without forgiveness, we face eternal judgment.

3. Good Works Cannot Earn Salvation

God requires absolute perfection—something no one can achieve on their own.

• “By the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in His sight.” (Romans 3:20)
• “It is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” (Titus 3:5)

No amount of religious activity, moral living, or personal effort can erase sin.

4. The Judgment of Sin Is Eternal

After death, every person will face judgment before God.

• “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
• “Whoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

Hell was created for Satan and his fallen angels (Matthew 25:41), but all who reject Christ will also face eternal separation from God.

5. Jesus Christ Paid for Our Sins

Because God is holy and just, sin must be punished. But in His love, He provided a way for us to be saved through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
• “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

On the cross, Jesus took the punishment we deserved, satisfying God's justice and making forgiveness available.

6. Salvation Is Through Faith in Jesus Alone

Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith—not by human effort.

• “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

The moment a person fully trusts in Christ, God credits Jesus’ righteousness to them.

7. The Resurrection Proves Jesus Is the Way

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proves His power over sin and death.

• “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)
• “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25)

Believing in His resurrection is essential for salvation (Romans 10:9).

8. God’s Invitation to Receive Jesus Christ Today

God offers eternal life to all who turn from sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

• “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
• “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

You can receive Christ by personally trusting in Him, repenting of your sins, and calling upon Him in faith.

A Prayer of Repentance and Faith

Prayer is simply talking to God. If you are ready to turn from sin and trust in Jesus, you can pray something like this:

Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I know that I have sinned and cannot save myself. I believe You died for my sins, were buried, and rose again. I trust in You alone for salvation. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and give me eternal life. Amen.

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If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, you have been born again into God’s family! (John 3:5-7)

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Next Steps in Your Faith

If you have trusted Christ for salvation:

• Read the Bible daily, starting with the Gospel of John.
• Pray and seek God in all things.
• Find a Bible-believing church that teaches God's Word faithfully.
• Tell others about Jesus and His saving grace.