What Can I Do To Get to Heaven?

Introduction

This will not be the first time Jesus challenges the concept of discipleship.

This discussion on how an individual can get to heaven is prefaced on two facts: firstly, that heaven is real and that God desires for me to get there.

Heaven is real

One cannot subscribe to a belief in God and the inspiration of His word then deny the existence of heaven of which God speaks of. The Prophets acknowledged it Isa 66:1, NT writers acknowledged it 2 Cor 5:1, Jesus mentions it over 100 times. Heb 11:9-16 shows that Abraham looked for a “better country”.

It will not be one earth, this is very distinct Matt 6:20. This earth will be destroyed 2 Pet 3:10-11.

God wants us there

It is also clear from the biblical record that God has made “eternal life” something anyone can receive. Jn 3:16, 2 Tim 4:8, Heb 2:10

Heaven is a gift given by God’s grace and not our goodness.

We will examine three scriptures by Jesus as it relates to heaven. Jesus mentions “heaven” or “heavenly” over 100 times in the gospels. He also came from heaven, this makes him very qualified to talk to us about heaven.

Jesus wants our attention on Heaven (Matt. 6:19-21)

“store” - hoard, gather up, save./ “treasures” - things of value. The “don’t” doesn’t mean you sin if you save money or buy some land. What is displeasing to God is when that becomes the focus and not Him.

One will have a hard time getting to heaven with a mind that’s fixed on things of the earth. The “moth and rust and thieves” represent the frailty and uncertainty of things on this plane

Mt 6:20 offers the alternative to “storing up earthly things”. Instead we should “store up heavenly things”

Consider what is valuable from a heavenly standpoint. Consider the rich man in Luke 12:15

How do I store up treasures in heaven? - It means to hoard, or go after the things with a heavenly import. [Analogy: $5000 investment in stocks vs in evangelism effort or 5hrs. watching a movie vs studying the bible] - What engages your attention the most?

Colossians 3:1–2 NASB95

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

Jesus wants a change in our nature (Matt. 7:21-24)

What I do in God’s name may not always equate to a heart that pleases God

I believe that this passage has a lot to do with my nature. What I do must correspond to who I am, this must then correspond to who God is. [Matt. 7:15-20] (fruits)

A semblance of piety is not enough to make it to heaven: God wants my nature changed [Matt 7:22-23]

My external appearance may appear authentic, but if my internal character is flawed, I won’t make it. [APPL. Christians must have Christ’s nature in us. Col. 3:10, Eph. 4:24, Rom. 8:29, 2 Cor. 5:17, Gal. 2:20]

Jesus wants us to sacrifice (Matt. 19:16-22)

Sacrifice- when I see the greatness of the cause it strengthens my will to make the sacrifice .

We may have to sacrifice what we think we know. [Luke 18:22 Jesus said (one thing you still lack)]

We may have to sacrifice what we possess.

We must give up some things to follow Jesus

Matthew 19:21 NASB95

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

What are you willing to sacrifice to be saved and have the opportunity to get to heaven?

Believe. Obey. Be Baptized