So, are you 100% sure that if today was your last day on earth, that if you died right now, that you would go to heaven? Well, the only way to get from one place to another successfully is by following directions. Fortunately, God has given us directions to get you from right here, right where you are, to heaven where we can enjoy eternal life with God for all eternity.

God has given us the Bible as our guide through life. The Bible says in 1 John 5:13, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." God has given us the Bible to teach us how to get from here to heaven by following some clear and basic directions.

The first direction given by God is to realize that He loves us. John 3:16 declares, " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God loves you and desires to have a personal, caring relationship with you, "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."

But there has risen a problem with the expression of God's love into our everyday life. The reality is, the second stop on our journey is a realization that we have been separated from God by sin (any action or thought that God says is wrong and we’ve all got quite a list of those, don’t we!) Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned…” and Romans 6:23 says, “the wages of sin is death.” This is speaking of eternal separation form God in a place the Bible calls Hell – pretty scary predicament!

Sadly, many people stop right here and never go any further. Jesus said, " Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (John 7:13-14) Most people will continue in their sin and march right toward a destructive destination. Don't be one of those people - read on!

The next direction requires a turn. Now, be sure to make a right turn, not a wrong one. This turn is what the Bible calls "repentance." To repent means to "change your mind or turn to another direction." In order to find eternal life in heaven we must change our mind about Jesus and turn toward Him. You see, arriving at the destination of heaven is 100% dependant on your belief about Jesus and what He has done for you. We said that sin separates us from God, but Jesus connects us with God again. How you ask? It really is very simple.

Jesus Christ is God in the flesh (John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-8) and He came to the world to take the penalty for sin that we all deserve and offer the free gift of salvation to anyone who would put their faith and trust in Him for eternal life. Romans 5:8 states, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Your eternal life depends on turning to Jesus for salvation and forgiveness, " Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

Even though we’ve all messed up, God says that Jesus already paid for our sins when he died, in our place, on the cross and rose again on the third day! Are you willing to admit to your sin, to your need for a  Saviour, and to believe in Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Are you willing to receive freely the gift given by God through the Lord Jesus Christ? Then respond to God’s offer and receive that gift for yourself! Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” You can accept God’s gift right now. Pray a simple prayer, admit your sin, and ask Jesus Christ to be your personal Saviour!

You could pray a prayer similar to this: Dear Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins. I know that I am a sinner, deserving of an eternity away from you. Please forgive me of all my sin, come into my life and be my personal Saviour. I place all of my faith and trust in you alone to bring me to heaven.  And now, because you have saved me from judgment, please help me to live a life pleasing to you, according to the Bible. AMEN.

God promises He will answer, and give you eternal life! (John 3:16, 1 John 5:11-13) and that it can NEVER be taken away! (John 6:37, Romans 5:1, Romans 8:1,38-39, Ephesians 4:30, I Peter 1:5)

Now you are on the right path!

If you have made the decision to trust Christ today, please contact us at the address below.  We would love to rejoice with you, pray for you, and send you a few items to help you as you begin your new relationship with Christ!  Questions may be directed through this address as well.

info@vbcnorthhollywood.org