How to Get to Heaven
The question on how to get to heaven begins at the beginning of time when God created Adam and Eve. It was sin that separated Adam and Eve from God and brought the curse of work today. God killed and sacrificed animals to create clothing, which was a covering for them. It was an atonement. And animals were commanded by God over the years to atone for the sins of the people. God did this because all sin has to have atonement. Those sacrifices were pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus, God's Son on the cross. On the cross He took our sin and gave us His righteousness through faith.
Paul is direct in the New Testament when he pinpoints our ongoing problem of sin. Saint Paul in Romans 3:10-14 (GW) writes, 10 as Scripture says, “Not one person has God's approval. 11 No one understands. No one searches for God. 12 Everyone has turned away. Together they have become rotten to the core. No one does anything good, not even one person." And even further than that Saint Paul says to the Corinthians ( 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)) "14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
God must save us. God must put faith in our hearts. We are just to corrupt to do anything good, like make a decision for Jesus. And even if we could, then it would be self-righteousness not Godly righteousness.
God makes His personal sacrifice for us on the cross and His plan is that it comes to us personally in the "means of grace," Baptism, The Lord's Supper, Absolution and the Word. Through them God lives in us. There are many verses on this, but here are a few.
Absolution John 20:21-23 (NIV) 22 And with that He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Baptism Acts 22:16 (NIV) 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away...'
1 Peter 3:21 (NIV) 21 and this water (the flood) symbolizes baptism that now saves you also…
Communion Matthew 26:27-28 (NIV) 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
The Word Acts 13:38 (NIV) 38 "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
We find the "Means of Grace consistently in Orthodox churches. Orthodox meaning, those who actually follow the Bible. Many claim to be orthodox while ignoring it's truths. It is important to find the "means of grace" because we are always doing stupid stuff and sinning.
So you are invited to join us in our route to Heaven. At Faith Lutheran, faith comes from God by "the means of His grace:" Baptism, Absolution, Communion and the Word. Join us each Sunday and we wash away our sins. Join our fellowship and know the life of sins forgiven and the assurance of being heaven bound.
Go in Peace, and don't let anyone steal your joy!
Pastor Ron