1. Heaven
Islands in Paradise
Many call Hawaii a “paradise.” Its islands are famous for their big waves, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lush vegetation, tropical fruits, luaus, and the warm aloha of its people. All these things make Hawai’i a popular place to vacation and live.
But there’s another paradise that makes these South Pacific islands pale in comparison. It’s a place called Heaven. Just as there are brochures and guidebooks that tell about things to see and do in Hawaii, there is a guidebook that tells about the things people will see and do in Heaven. That guidebook is the Bible.
The Bible tells us that one day God is going to make a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1), and that Heaven will come down to the new earth, where God will live with His people. In this new Heavenly Paradise, God “will wipe every tear from their eyes.” There will be no more poverty, war, crime, cancer, hunger or hopelessness. Instead, there will be universal peace, and people will experience unspeakable joy and have bodies that never grow old or get sick. This Paradise will be more wonderful then anything ever imagined. In fact, we are told that
“no eye has seen” and “no ear has heard” and “no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
This Paradise will continue decade after decade, century after century; Time without end. And it is God’s wish that everyone spend eternity with Him in this wonderful place. Sadly, though, not everyone will be here. Only certain people will get to go to this Paradise.
So, how do we get to this Paradise, Heaven? Do we get there by being “good” and helping others? No. Do we get there by being “religious” or by going to church? No. There is only one way to get to Heaven: We must be “perfect.” Unfortunately, that disqualifies all of us, because no one is perfect,
“all have sinned” Romans 3:23
We all have messed up at one time or another (told a lie, hurt someone, stole something, or broken one of God’s other commandments). As a result, what we have earned or…
“The wages of our sin is death” Romans 6:23.
This means we are spiritually dead (in our hearts) and separated from God. That’s the bad news. The good news is that…
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8
When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he paid the penalty for the sins of the whole world. He now offers you the free gift of eternal life and spiritual perfection, so that you can go to Heaven.
Jesus paid this terrible price to provide a way for your sins to be forgiven and for you to have a personal relationship with Him. He has a plan for your life, one with real purpose and meaning. Right now, Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. We read this in Revelation 3:20…
“I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me and open the door, I will come in”
If you open your heart and invite Christ in, He will forgive you of all your sins, enter your life, become your closest friend, and give you a brand new start in life. Below are two hearts. The first heart is new, clean, and perfect. It’s ready for Heaven. The second heart is spiritually dead from sin.
Which heart do you have now? Which heart would you like to have?
If your choice is the new, clean heart, simply pray the following prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please forgive me for all of my sins. I ask you to come into my heart and life right now. Help me to turn from my sins and live the life you have planned for me. Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer and sincerely meant it, Jesus has come into your heart and life, and He will never leave you or forsake you. Your name has been written in a book in heaven called the “Book of Life.”
To learn more about your new life as a Christian, click on this link to be taken to the “New Christian” page.
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