May I take a few minutes and share with you how the Bible answers this question?

First, we must have forgiveness. We cannot have heaven and eternal life without God’s forgiveness.

Ephesians 1:7 -- In Him [meaning Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Then we have to recognize that while this forgiveness is available for everyone, it is not automatic. If I were to offer you my truck to drive, it is available to you. But, it is only yours to drive if you accept the keys from me and get into the vehicle.

John 3:16 -- For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Matthew 7:21 -- Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven.

You see, it is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. God is love, He loved us enough to send His Son, but He is also just. And at some point in our lives we have all messed up - we’ve all done something we knew was wrong.

Hebrews 9:27 -- Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.

Romans 3:23 -- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

So, how does a person who’s messed up (that is, sinned) enter heaven where God allows no sin? Well, what if you were driving down the road and someone asked you to turn? They are simply asking you to change direction, right? And God is, too. The Bible calls this turning “repentance.”

First, we must turn from our sin and our self.

Luke 13:3 -- But unless you repent you too will all likewise perish

And we must turn to someone - Christ - and trust Him alone.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 -- Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried and that He rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures

Romans 10:9 -- 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

And that will gain you access to heaven and eternal life, both here and in the hereafter.

John 10:10 -- I have come that they may have life and may have it more abundantly

John 14:3 -- And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also

So, how can you have God’s forgiveness, heaven and eternal life and Jesus as your personal savior and Lord? It’s simple -- not easy, but very simple.

First, just have a talk with God. Tell Him you are sorry for all the mistakes you’ve made in the past and that you want to change. Tell Him that you believe Jesus came to this earth and died for you, and that three days later God raised Him from the dead. Then invite God into your heart and life, desiring to give Him control of you.

Once you have talked with God, you need to be obedient. This includes several things. First, you need to tell someone, tell several, tell everyone! You can email me and I will be happy to rejoice with you and provide any support I can! Next you need to find a Bible and get into it on a regular basis.  You will have times where you can’t get enough and other times when it’s hard to get into it at all - we all do. But you need to do your best with God’s help to read some every day. You also need to join a local fellowship, a church of some sort. Make sure it’s one based on the Bible because there are many out there that are not. Ask God for guidance — He will never let you down!