This begins a new series of posts presenting a detailed explanation of the gospel. I felt it necessary to take a detailed approach because the message of the gospel has been distorted beyond recognition in most of the western church, and in the culture.

Why should you care? Read on and I believe you will find that answer.

What Is the Gospel?

The Gospel is the central message from Jesus Christ about how to receive eternal life. It is a personal invitation extended from God to each of us to receive immortality – to live forever in heaven and ultimately, when the time comes, in the Kingdom of God.

Despite what you may have come to believe about Christians from the media or from many who claim to be Christians, this message has nothing to do with politics. Even if you are not interested in this message, I still invite you to take a little time to read this series of posts. Perhaps you will at least understand what biblical Christians believe and what the bible teaches about eternal life.

Two Important Questions

I received eternal life when I was a lot younger thanks to a friend who helped me understand some things from the Bible. I did go to church but I didn’t know anything about what the Bible says regarding how to receive eternal life. That all changed about 30 years ago with a very simple, very interesting question which I now present to you:

Do you know for certain that you will go to heaven when you die?

Stop for a moment and consider this question. People have various responses. Maybe one of these is similar to your own response:

• I don’t believe in God or the bible. I do not believe there is a hell or heaven.
• I believe in God but I don’t know if I will go to heaven.
• I believe there are many paths to God, not just Christianity.
• I have done some terrible things in my life. I will not go to heaven.
• I am not sure I will go to heaven. I don’t think its possible to know.
• Yes, I will go to heaven.

Regardless of which response you have, please read on.

What I discovered, to my amazement, was yes, it is possible to know for certain that you will go to heaven when you die. You don’t have to hope so or think so. You can know without any doubt, that when you leave this earth at the end of your physical life, you will go straight to heaven. Here is what it says in the bible:

These things are written so that you…may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:13

When the bible says “eternal life” it means immortality in heaven and eventually in the Kingdom of God.

Many with a church background work hard, doing all the things we believe are required to go to heaven. And yet despite all the effort,I find most people I talk to are unfamiliar with the simple truth quoted above in 1 John 5:13. But there it is, plainly written. According to the bible, anyone can know they have eternal life.

I was always taught the opposite. I was taught it was not possible to know. I was even told it was presumptuous or prideful to assume I would go to heaven.

The Mission

When Jesus established the church, he gave it the primary mission to tell people how to receive eternal life. He ensured the mission and the message was clearly documented in the bible. Knowing that you have eternal life is based on what is written in the scriptures, not in the traditions and the teachings of men or religious organizations.

I know that I have received eternal life. Knowing is not prideful or arrogant. The Lord wants all people to have eternal life and to know it, just as it says in the bible verse above. That’s why he entrusted this message to the church.

I don’t deserve eternal life – none of us do – but I know I have it because the bible is true. I am sure glad that my friend shared this truth with me a long time ago. Millions of people across the world and throughout history have received eternal life. Maybe today is your day.

Would you like to know how to receive the gift of eternal life, just as I and many others have?

I hope so. One day you will be at the end of your life. At that moment, none of the social media mob or your friends will be there for you. Hopefully, you will die with loved ones there but even they cannot help you when you pass into the unseen realm where you will stand before God. At that moment you will find out that He exists and the bible is true. But at that point, its too late to decide about eternal life offered to you.

The offer of eternal life is only on the table while you are still breathing. When your life on this earth is over, the offer is withdrawn. Choose wisely in this life. Please read on.

My friend asked me a second question that I had never heard before – it turned out to be the most important question in my life.

If you died today, and you stood before the God of Heaven, and he asked you:

“Why should I let you into heaven?”

What would you say?

Think about this question. How would you respond? What do you think the requirements are for getting to heaven? I will cover some common responses in the next post.

Why should you care? Because your eternal destiny depends on it. That said, maybe its worthy of a little time and consideration.