The Assurance of Heaven
Wondering can cause doubt, leaving a person with indecision that can be troublesome, at best, when dealing with an important issue. And, you don’t want any indecision when it pertains to your eternal destiny. Indecision causes confusion and God is not the author of confusion. So, ask yourself: “How can I have peace and assurance that I am going to heaven?” “How can I really know for sure?” If you want no wondering, no doubting - just peaceful assurance, develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, read His Word and let the Holy Spirit convict and guide you each day with His truth.
What is God’s plan? His plan is for you to have peace and life. God loves you and wants you to experience His peace NOW and eternal life with Him forever in Heaven. The bible says; “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
What is our Problem? Our problem is sin and separation; we are separated from God because of our sin and this creates a problem. The bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
What is God’s remedy? God’s remedy is the cross. God’s love (Jesus) bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins and made Heaven available to all who would trust in Jesus alone. The bible says: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)
What should our response be? Our response should be to believe and receive Christ. The cross is the bridge into God’s family when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The bible says: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)
How do I receive Christ as my Lord and Savior? To receive Christ as your personal savior, you need to do three things:
ADMIT AND REPENT: Admit that you are a sinner and repent, which means to be willing to turn away from your sins. The bible says: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19
BELIEVE: Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross. The bible says: They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus , and you will be saved - you and your household.” Acts 16:31
CALL: Call out and ask Jesus to come into your life as your Lord and Savior. The bible says: “And whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13 and Joel 2:32)
What to Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner in need of Your forgiveness for my sins. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and that His blood can wash away all my sins; I want to repent right now and turn from my sins. I invite Jesus to come into my heart and life. I trust in Jesus alone, and will follow Him as my Lord and Savior forever. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Pastors note:
I want to invite you to come and worship with us at Oxford UMC. You will experience the love of Jesus Christ and you will enjoy a family atmosphere that encourages you, sharing in the good times, and even the challenging times in your life.
Pastor Dick Wolters
