The Lord Jesus said to the former thief who repented and found forgiveness, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in PARADISE" (Lk. 23:43).
What's It Like?
Everlasting joy and gladness -- sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isa. 35:10).-
Singing, praising, and worshiping God (Rev. 5:9-14; 19:1-8).
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No more death, mourning, crying, pain, curse, night or devil (Rev. 20:10; 21:4;
22:1-5). There will be no need for a hospital, police force, prison, cemetery or
ambulance service.
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Perfect peace in the animal kingdom during the millennium era (Isa. 11:6-9).
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A new Heaven and a new earth (Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1).
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New Jerusalem is made of pure gold, is approximately 1,400 to 1,500 miles high,
long and wide, has walls of jasper, streets of gold, and gates of pearls that are
never shut (Rev. 21:15-27). The architect and builder of the Holy City is God
Himself (Heb. 11:10). There is no need for the sun or moon to shine on it for "the
Lamb is its lamp" (Rev. 21:23; 22:5). The river of the water of life, the tree of life,
and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city (Rev. 22:1-5).
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"Gain" and "better by far" compared to this life (Phil. 1:21,23).
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Prepared for those who love God (Jam. 2:5) or the righteous (Mt. 25:34-40).
How can I get to heaven?
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Only by grace, not by works (Eph. 2:8,9).
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Go sincerely and directly to Jesus, as the thief did who found forgiveness (Lk.
23:42,43 cf. Jn. 5:39,40). God knows your heart, so you must be sincere.
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Love Jesus more than your parents, spouse, children, brothers, sisters and even
your own life (Mt. 10:37; Lk. 14:26). Jesus said, "Any of you who does not give
up everything he has cannot be my disciple" (Lk. 14:33).
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Deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Him (Lk. 9:23).
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Be willing to die physically for Jesus if necessary (Mt. 10:39; Lk. 17:33; Rev.
12:11).
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Persist in doing good so God will give you eternal life (Rom. 2:7).
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Sow to please the Spirit and reap eternal life (Gal. 6:8,9).
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Obey Him because He is the source of eternal salvation for all who do (Heb.
5:9).
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Live for Christ now (Phil. 1:21).
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He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not
have life (1 Jn. 5:12).
How important is my salvation?
Eternal life is more important than money, a love relationship, friends, fame, popularity,
power or gaining the whole world. Do not forfeit your soul for these things (Mk. 8:36).
Your salvation is as IMPORTANT as ETERNITY is long! Your faithfulness to Christ
now (or lack of it) will affect you one hundred years from now and throughout the rest of
eternity. People have spent time in prison, lost their jobs, spouses, friends, family,
material possessions, lives, etc. to get salvation or retain their salvation. You might
have to pay the same price before your life, which is a "test," is over (Rev.
2:10,11)! You are battling for eternity -- for your eternal soul and the souls of
others! Come to God on His terms and remain faithful to Him.
This is the most
important thing you will ever do in this life. Jesus said, "Make every effort to enter
through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will NOT be
able to" (Lk. 13:24). Keep yourself pure (1 Tim. 5:22), from idols (1 Jn. 5:21), from
being polluted by the world (Jam. 1:27), and avoid every kind of evil (1 Thess. 5:22).
Hold loosely to the things of this life, for they are all temporary. Resist sinful
temptations.
Be on your GUARD against FALSE TEACHERS
Jesus said, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and
put it into practice"
Set Your Heart On THINGS
ABOVE!
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