People give many answers to this question.

Some simply say they are not sure. Many say they have lived a good life, or a life with more good than bad.

Others say they grew up in church, attended regularly and always knew God. Still others say they will go because they were baptized.

The true answer is found in the Bible. In John 3, Jesus told a man named Nicodemus, a very religious man, that one must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God.

After being questioned about how that could happen physically, Jesus told him one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus continued to explain that He (Jesus) must be lifted up (die on the cross) and that whoever believes (trusts) in Him may have eternal life.

Some think being born of “water” is either the water associated with physical birth, or water baptism.

The Bible gives good evidence though that “water” is a symbol of being washed with the Word of God.

For example, the Apostle Peter writes, “…for you have been born again … through the living and abiding Word of God.” (I Peter 1:23).

The Apostle Paul, writing in Titus 3:5-6, tells us God saves us, “…not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit…through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

Completely trusting in Jesus — that’s the only thing God says you must do to go to Heaven.

More evidence exists, but let me conclude this article with this: According to the Bible, to know God and know for sure you will go to Heaven, you must trust the Word of God that helps you to know that Jesus died for you; and when the Spirit of God persuades you in your heart to trust in Him for your eternity — do it — trust Jesus so you will know Heaven is your home.

For more information or an appointment to discuss this personally, call 903- 849-4198.

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Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission (www.lockman. org).