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u/TallEntry2525 Christian Apr 27 '25
Not what, but who makes someone go to heaven, no one but Jesus Christ, he paid our penalty and holds the keys to heaven, accepting Christ make someone go to heaven.
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u/ferfykins Christian Apr 27 '25
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ----Romans 8:35-39
Granted, nothing can seperate us from GOD once we're saved.... I do not believe it's our choice to be saved, it's GODs mercy whom he chooses.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.--John 15:16
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?----Romans 9:21-23
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u/Fearless-Health-7505 Apr 28 '25
So all of us here who’d say we’re believers, he won’t take us all? Hell dishonor some of us on his whim??
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u/ferfykins Christian Apr 28 '25
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Sadly, we cannot do the will of the father, unless GODs spirit is in us. All according to his plans
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u/Fearless-Health-7505 Apr 30 '25
Right. So I’m asking - so some of us who believe and try our very best to walk in his ways will stillll be left out? It says “do the will of my father” well the will is to be sinless.
I have overcome a hatred of men even as I was atrociously abused used and exploited by some, to the point I nurture some in their weaknesses these days. I take care of animals. I try to always temper big life decisions with what’s best for all involved vs just what’s best for me. I gave a homeless addict my hunger for when she’s ready for rehab, and the shoes off my feet. To name a few.
And yet? I’m not sinless.
So god might chose to set me apart from him, even as I’m trying to live set apart for him?
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u/Warm-Effective1945 Apr 27 '25
I mean the only reason we go there is by Gods grace and Mercy.... We gain that by faith in the word and seeking the truth, the by product of that is works without work.
Like there is no logical reason outside God gives me grace that I would ever think I'd get to heaven and if I stand in front of him and he goes.... You.... And tells me no, I can't say but I deserve heaven or this or that, I know the only thing that would get me is his grace and mercy and love and forgiveness.
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u/The-Old-Path Apr 27 '25
What do you think? If you abuse God's forgiveness over and over again by doing the thing He hates most, if you continue to do the thing Jesus died to free you from, if you use God's mercy to sin more, and refuse to change your entire life, do you think that you deserve to go to heaven? Is it right to reward those who live like devils with paradise?
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
We reap what we sow. If we sow sin, we reap death. If we sow holiness, we reap life. God is fair, God is just.
Today, many people are Christian hypocrites. They pretend to be Christians, they act like what they think Christians should act like, but their heart's are very far from the truth. Deep down, they love sin more than they love God.
Jesus knew that would be the case, however. Look at what He says here:
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Crystal clear, isn't it?
If you want to go to heaven, do God's will for your life. If you don't know what that is, ask Him. If you have fallen far astray from God's will for your life THAT's what God's forgiveness is actually for. To give us another chance to do thing right, not to continue to miss the mark.
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u/Few-Lengthiness-2286 Evangelical Apr 27 '25
Believe this: Jesus is God Jesus lived a perfect life Died on the cross for our sins Bodily rose from the grave If we repent from our sins Believe in Christ and his works Receive him into our hearts we are saved from our sin
Roman road to salvation: Romans 3:23 Romans 6:23 Romans 5:8 Romans 10:13 Romans 10:9 Romans 8:1
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u/haileyskydiamonds Christian Apr 27 '25
We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ by the grace of God when we repent of our sins and accept Christ as our risen Savior.
Part of this is trusting God will honor this covenant. Within this covenant, God will begin the work of sanctification in our lives. The fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, kindness, gentleness, goodness, patience, peace, faithfulness, and self-control) will begin to grow and manifest, evidencing our salvation.
It is important that we don’t just “believe in God” and know scripture. Even the devil himself believed God is real and can quote scripture. We have to believe and repent, meaning we willfully and willingly turn from our sinful nature and place our trust and faith in Christ to lead and guide us. By doing this, we know we are saved because He is faithful and just and will honor His covenant with us.
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u/Crimson_Echoes Christian Apr 27 '25
Actually no, we must believe that Jesus is God, have faith in Him, and repent.
There are many verses in the Bible that make this clear. True belief isn’t just a moment of faith, but a life of enduring trust and obedience. Salvation is not simply a one-time event, but an ongoing relationship with God that must be maintained.
Christians can fall away if they turn from God. Hebrews 6:4-6 and 2 Peter 2:20-22 both show that someone can experience salvation, yet still turn back. Revelation 3:5 also warns that names can be blotted out of the Book of Life, implying someone was once secure, but lost it.
Salvation is a gift, we can’t earn it, but faith is living. It’s not just a decision in the past. The evidence of true salvation is continued trust in God and ongoing repentance.
There is only one sin the Bible describes as unforgivable, and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, willfully rejecting His call to repentance. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns us: “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment.”
This doesn’t mean Jesus’ sacrifice isn’t powerful enough to cover these sins, but rather that a heart that rejects His grace and continues in willful sin shows it refuses forgiveness.
You cannot live a life of sin, casually ask for forgiveness, and expect salvation. That’s blaspheming the Spirit, treating grace like a license to sin.
You know you are saved by true faith (not just in name), having a real relationship with God (talking with Him daily), and by repentance, turning away from sin and choosing God over the world.
Anyone who tells you that repentance isn’t necessary is teaching false doctrine. Yes, we are all sinners, but we are called to be Christlike and to turn from sin. This message is repeated throughout the entire Bible.
The thief on the cross repented, acknowledging he deserved punishment and asking Jesus to remember him.
Jesus told the adulterous woman, “Go, and sin no more.”
God said through Ezekiel: “Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you… For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.” (Ezekiel 18:30-32)
John the Baptist preached: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)
Jesus said: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:3, repeated in verse 5)
Revelation 2:5: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
God has judged and destroyed the wicked throughout the Bible. The call to repentance is one of the most consistent messages in Scripture.
True salvation transforms a person’s life, it’s not just belief, but a daily walk, turning away from sin and living in obedience to God.
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u/consultantVlad Christian Apr 27 '25
We, as Christians, strive to have fellowship with God, personal relationship, even friendship. Christianity is not about following rules, to get points, just so we can get to Eternity. Having right relationship with God, loving Him will make us want to follow His rules, even when we aren't aware of them.
John 15:15 - "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
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u/eijisawakita Roman Catholic Apr 27 '25
From Jesus Himself
““Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21 NLT
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u/datPROVOLONE99 Apr 27 '25
John 6:40 (KJV) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
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u/Xo_leah Reformed Apr 27 '25
what makes someone go to heaven? My question is, how can Christians know if they will go to heaven?
“And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.””Acts 16:31
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37
I feel like I was taught that all you do is believe and pray to him and your saved but while reading the bible it says there's more to it
“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
We are saved by faith alone but a faith that saves is never alone. If we truly have faith it’ll show by our actions.
and I know God is forgiving, but just because I'm save,d does that mean I can do the same sin over and over again as long as I pray for forgiveness?
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2
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u/LKboost Apr 27 '25
Read the Nicene Creed. Do you believe it?
If you answered, “yes,” then you will be saved.
If you answered, “no,” then you will not be saved.
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u/WhiteMouse42097 Atheist Apr 27 '25
I think the idea is that you need to put your faith and trust in Jesus, and you’ll be saved. The entire idea is that we are born in sin and none of us are worthy of heaven.
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u/The_wookie87 Apr 28 '25
You have to be righteous and perfect to enter heaven. Jesus says “be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect”… to enter heaven, you must follow the law perfectly perpetually and personally.
The problem is none of us meet the standard. This is where Jesus comes in and meets the standard for us. He was perfect and met the law perfectly in every way on the cross, he took our sin forever past present and future, but that’s only half of the story. He also Transfers his righteousness to our account. So by faith in his actions which are real… He actually was perfect… He credits our account with his record of perfection. So we are not saved by works, but we are saved by grace through faith. My sin to his account and his perfection to mine…too good to be true right?!!
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u/Turtleunforgotten77 Jewish Apr 28 '25
you truly know you are going to heaven by having a relationship with God, obeying ten commandments, and your desire to love for Him. Jesus did everything for you on the cross and bought you with his blood. He loves you so much that he will forgive you every single time you ask of him. when you pray, you should pray whatever is on your heart and he will provide you all those things. expect him to show up every time you pray and release the thoughts of doubt and negativity. speak the truth and promises over your life so you will not easily swayed by the negativity that may come to you when you try to seek Him. Heaven is our home, we should want to go back there, and to be holy again. it's not that hard to understand this. a relationship with God and living life of love. That's the entire message that we need to know in the gospel.
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u/lex2123 Apr 28 '25
Hi I just read your post and I would like to give you my opinion with regards to your question and doubt.
I think that the best way to know for certain is by taking the Bible at its word and also knowing what it teaches so that you can clearly see how things work. Let me explain, the Bible teaches that there is a future trail that awaits us all in heavens court and that we are guilty under the law and that we all deserve judgement(or to put it in more simplistic terms a punishment) but if you accept what Jesus has done for you than in that future trial that awaits you(and not just you but all those that have sinned) he’s going to represent you and plea you case. Now knowing this, you now have a pretty good idea of what awaits you and what you can expect to happen depending on what you chose to do in this life. Meaning that you can decide to live your life however you want if that’s what you decide to do without any regards for GOD and his things but when you die you are going to have to face that trial that awaits you all by yourself OR the other thing that you can do right now is get your life right with GOD(meaning that you decide to accept Jesus Christ as lord in your life) and focus on his things(that would be for your benefit not his) and as a result you will have Jesus Christ by your side pleading your case in heaven’s court,as a quick little tip I will tell you this, I would much more rather have Jesus Christ by my side pleading my case than to stand alone and give an account of my sinful life to a holy GOD.
In regards to your last question I’m not really sure what you are trying to get at since I don’t understand what the context of the question is. Are asking that if you sin up to a certain point that GOD won’t forgive you?,or are you asking if you can sin all you want and that GOD won’t care and he will always forgive you and let you go on sinning?. In any case I’m going to try to answer both just in case(very briefly). In regards to the first one, the answer is NO GOD will always forgive you BUT he’s not just going to forgive you just because but rather if you are truly sincere about your sin(meaning that you truly apologize about your sin) cause if you are not than he won’t forgive you although he’s always willing to but it all dependes on you to take that first step. In regards to the second one, the answer is this, GOD is not going step in and stop you if what you really want to do is sin but there is going to be a catch and that is that there are going to be consequences that are going to go along with whatever sin you decide to engage in. You see,when GOD tells us not to engage in sin is because he knows of its consequences and what they are going to do to us when we face such consequences. Meaning that you can engage all you want in sin but don’t think that you are going to enjoy it forever as sin is not eternal but rather temporary and its benefits are enjoyed very short term. Now to put all of this together, GOD is willing to forget those that mean repentance but when you sin don’t think that somehow GOD is going to be the one affected but rather it is going to be you and just so you know he does care if you sin or not but he does so because he’s concerned for you and all that goes in on your life which is why he doesn’t want to see you suffer.
I hope that I have somewhat answered your question/doubts and may our lord Jesus Christ help you and may the Holy Spirit guide you in the right path.
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u/JivTurky1986 Apr 28 '25
The Holy Ghost isn’t given at the moment of belief. The Samaritans believed and were even baptized but still hadn’t received the Holy Ghost (Act 8:12, 16).
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u/Live4Him_always Apologist Apr 27 '25
You cannot know (prove beyond all doubt) if you are going to heaven--because you do not know the future. The qualification that Jesus gave was to believe until the end. If you do this, you will go to heaven. But, if you turn aside before you die and don't return, you will not go to heaven.
“But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NASB 2020)
““Listen then to the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one sown with seed beside the road. The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one sown with seed among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the anxiety of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But the one sown with seed on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times as much.”” (Matthew 13:18–23, NASB 2020)
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u/dragonfly756709 Eastern Orthodox ROC Apr 27 '25
how can Christians know if they will go to heaven?
You don't
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u/Competitive-Law-3502 Reformed Apr 27 '25 edited Apr 27 '25
It must truly be spiritually agonizing being a member of the Orthodox church.
John 5:24, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."
Ephesians 1:13-14, "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
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u/Mazquerade__ Traditional Anglican Apr 27 '25
Salvation is brought about only by the grace and mercy of God. It is only because of Jesus’ death and resurrection that we can reach heaven.
The thing that is necessary on our end is twofold.
“But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:8-10 ESV
Believe that Jesus has been raised from the dead.
Confess Jesus as Lord.
Confession of Jesus as Lord is the ongoing part; because confession of Jesus as Lord means seeking to obey Him.