What does God’s Word say about this question: “If you’re a Christian and you sin, then die before you ask for forgiveness, will you go to heaven?”

Bible Verses:

Psalm 139

2 Corinthians 5:8

Romans 7

Philippians 1:21

John 3:16

John 1:12

Colossians 1:13

John 10:28

1 John 2:19

Matthew 7:15

1 John 3:1

Luke 15:11-32

1 John 1:9

Psalm 73

Ephesians 4:30

2 Timothy 2:13

1 John 2:2

Romans 6:1-2

What is the criteria for going to heaven? The truth is, on this side of heaven, we cannot be perfectly sinless. Therefore, salvation, or going to heaven, is based on our faith in Jesus Christ. It is not based on our works, but on the finished work that Christ accomplished on the cross for sinners.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God's love and grace through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins is what offers eternal life to those who believe. Believing in Jesus grants us the power to become children of God, with the promise of never losing that status. Being born of God is a work of God, not something that can be given back or taken away. True salvation is a transformation that cannot be undone. It’s not just a profession or a label we give ourselves.

That being said, it is important to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness restores the closeness and intimacy we have with God.

God will remain faithful even when we sin. As Christians, we will go to heaven if we die before asking for forgiveness, based on Christ's work, not our sinful actions.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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It’s important to share the Gospel message, but it’s more important that we understand what the Gospel is first.

[0:00] Intro

[1:00] What is the Gospel?

[5:30] How to share the Gospel

[12:05] Summing it all up

[14:30] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

John 3:16-19

John 3:36

Romans 1:18-23

Genesis 1:27

Colossians 1:16

1 John 3:4

Romans 3:23

Psalm 51:5

Romans 6:23

1 Peter 3:18

John 1:12

2 Corinthians 5:21

John 3:14

Numbers 21:4-9

The Gospel means good news. The good news can be summed up in 1 Corinthinas 15:3-4, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures...”

1 Corinthinas 15:3-4 Memory Verse

The reason for the Gospel, or the good news, is there is some bad news. It’s called sin. Sin is anything we think, say, or do that displeases God or breaks God’s law. We all sin.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ” John 3:16-19

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36

Are You Saved?

Salvation is understanding and trusting in what Jesus Christ has done for us. There are no magic words that make a person saved, so there are no magic words for sharing the Gospel. We do our best to share the Gospel with people, but God does the work of bringing them to faith.

When I share the Gospel, I like to start with God’s existence. If people don’t know there is a God or who He is, how can they realize they are sinners in need of a Savior?

All humans are created in God's image, so we all have dignity, value, and worth. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

However, that image has been marred by sin. Sin brings death. Because we have sin, we need a Savior that saves us from death and makes us right with God. We cannot solve the problem of sin ourselves because we inherently have sin. It’s not about personal works or achievements, but rather placing our faith in what Christ has done.

Jesus Christ, who is sinless, took our sins on Himself. He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day to defeat sin and death. We must trust in the finished work Christ did for sinners in order to be saved and

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Today’s podcast is a deep dive into salvation and sharing my own faith journey.

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] How do you know?

[11:30] My faith journey

[22:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Romans 6:23

Romans 6:11

2 Corinthians 5:17

1 Corinthians 15:1-6

2 Corinthians 5:21

John 1:12

Romans 10:9-10

Acts 16:31

Ephesians 2:8-9

John 17:3

Romans 3:23

Titus 3:5

Salvation is being rescued from sin; sin’s penalty, sin’s power, and one day the very presence of sin.

Sin’s penalty is death and being separated from God forever in a place called hell. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Once we trust Jesus Christ for salvation we are saved and set free from the power of sin. “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11 We are new creations in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Salvation is not a feeling. You aren’t saved by going to church regularly or by getting baptized. Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior requires belief and trust in His sacrifice, not good works or personal effort. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21) In order to receive the gift of salvation, you must believe it is a gift. (John 1:12, Romans 10:9-10) Trust in Christ's work on the cross and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31)

I grew up in the church but didn't understand what it meant to be saved. I couldn’t answer the question, “How do you know you’re saved?” My early understanding of faith was based on works. I had to do good things in order to be saved. It took some growing up and discipleship to understand the truth of the Gospel and trust in Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I lived a duplicitous life where I was one way at church, one way at home, and another way at school. I thought all of the “good” things I did would outweigh the bad. One day, my cousin Mark shared the Gospel with me and I was saved. Something changed that day and the Holy Spirit started working in my life.

Sounds great, right? However, I still struggled with sin. I struggled with relationships and personal growth despite trusting Christ as my savior.

My faith really started to develop in my early 20s. I started reading the Bible more and listening to preachers on purpose. I got involved with Child Evangelism Fellowship and started to learn how to teach the Bible to kids. The CEF ministry grew my faith. That time of my life helped me learn more about my faith and how to share my faith.

Examine your own faith and ensure you are placing your hope in Christ alone for eternal life. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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