Can you know for sure that you’ll spend eternity in heaven?
Many people are puzzled by that question. So what do you think?
We’re all sinners. Heaven is holy. We know that Jesus saves. We know that we are weak.
Jesus tells us about some folks who apparently know for sure, and then get disappointed when on Judgment Day they discover otherwise. He teachers, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers’” (Matthew 7:22,23)!
Do you hear it in how they talk, this group who is confident of their eternity because they did this or that for Jesus? Their confidence is in their own behavior. That’s the wrong place for confidence, folks.
The only perfect, unbreakable, guaranteed place, person and promise that is our confidence for eternity in heaven is Jesus himself.
Believe in him, and you can say with absolute certainty, I will be in heaven. A little parable of Jesus emphasizes this. The parable of the wise and foolish builders.
Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24,25).
That’s not talking about our behavior, but the words, promises and teachings of salvation and of Christian living that shape our behavior.
That’s your confidence and security. Jesus and his teachings. Believe in Jesus. Hear the Word of God regularly. Put it into practice willingly. That’s the profile of someone who can say, “I know for sure that I’ll be in heaven!”
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I do know for sure that I’ll be in heaven with you, because I believe in you and your promises. I love you, your teachings, and following him. Though I’m not perfect, I trust your promise of salvation that gives it as your gift. Hallelujah! Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Here’s a fun activity. Ask 10 people this week: “Can anyone be sure that they will be in heaven?” Let God use that question to open up witnessing opportunities. My guess is that out of 10 people (unless you ask at church on Sunday), over half will say “no.” Those people need the gospel!