How To Be Certain You're Going To Heaven
April 24-28, 2006

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

It is one of the most important questions we will ever face: "Are you certain you are going to heaven?" God made us to last forever, so simply living this life with gusto isn't all there is to existence. If you die tonight, are you absolutely sure God will welcome you? Most people respond ambiguously, saying "I think so" or "I hope so", but God doesn't want people to be unclear about their eternal destiny. It is foolish to go through life unprepared for something as inevitable as death, and there is no reason to have any doubts about the process of going to heaven because the Bible explains exactly what God requires. In this discussion, we will go back to the basics of Christianity as summarized in John 3:16 (above). We'll study this verse phrase by phrase so we understand God's love, see Christ's role as mediator between God and us, and learn the steps God has set forth for our salvation and membership in His eternal family.

THE FOUR ESSENTIALS OF KNOWING WHERE YOU ARE GOING WHEN YOU DIE

MONDAY

1. RECOGNIZE GOD'S LOVE: "God so loved the world..."
[Your Objective: Fully recognize God's love so that we can worship Him more intimately.]

According to 1 John 4:9-10, how did God show us how much He loved us?

  • How do we typically express or show love to others?
  • How do we typically show God how much we love Him?

Read 1 John 3:1. Because of God's incredible love, what were we permitted to be called?

  • What impact should recognizing God's love have on those who have low self-esteem?

How does Ephesians 3:18-19 describe how we are to understand and experience God's love?

  • Why is it hard to understand the depth of God's love?
  • Could there be a sin so bad that God would not forgive it?
  • What sins do some people think God's love is not deep enough to handle?
  • What are some ways people experience God's love?

In 1 Peter 2:4, in what terms or image is Christ described?

  • How can we build our life on God's love as a foundation? Why should we do it?
  • What is the difference between "God has love" and "God is love"?

Worship (Magnification) - Allow God's amazing love to draw you closer to Him. Take some time alone in your daily time with God and begin by meditating on how much God loves you and trying to feel how much God loves you. Also remember God died for your sins and, as it is sometimes said, "God is not mad at you. He is mad about you."

TUESDAY

2. RECEIVE GOD'S GIFT: "He gave His only begotten Son..."
[Your Objective: Recognize God's wonderful gift of His only Son.]

What was God's gift to us according to Romans 3:24-25?

  • Why is it important that Jesus is God's Son rather than a great prophet or teacher?
  • When a gift is given to someone, what is expected in exchange? What does God expect from us?

In Romans 5:6, what do we need to do instead of relying on ourselves?

  • How do some people realize they need a savior?
  • What might make people receive God's gift of salvation?

According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, what was the exchange that was made between Christ and us?

  • Why would God place the entire world's sin onto Christ?
  • What does it mean to "receive" God's gift of His Son?

According to Romans 11:6, what is more important - good works or grace?

  • What is grace? Is God the only source of this grace?
  • What is the difference between salvation by good works and salvation by grace? Why is the difference important?

Fellowship (Membership) - Membership means to connect with others as a part of the family of God. When we fellowship, we show we have received God's gift and understand the price Jesus paid for our salvation. Do you find it easy or difficult to accept gifts? When was the last time you truly thought of our Christian faith as a gift? Consider reviewing the basics of our Christian faith this week by praying John 3:16 daily and accepting it fully into your heart.

WEDNESDAY

3. RESPOND TO GOD'S OFFER: "Whosoever believes in Him..."
[Your Objective: Learn and reflect how widespread God's gift is.]

According to Titus 2:11, to whom is God's gift offered?

  • Who might think the gift is not available to them?

What particular religion does Colossians 3:11 say Christ is available to?

  • Is Christ available to non-Christian religions?

What does Romans 3:22 say is given to all those who believe?

  • What does redemption mean?
  • Why would we need redemption?

What does Romans 3:24 say how we are justified?

  • What does being justified mean? Is being justified better than being forgiven?
  • What is the difference between knowing Christ in the head vs. in the heart?

Evangelism (Mission) - Sometimes we forget how generous God is. We tend to think we cannot live up to God's expectations - often not living up to our own expectations. Think of someone you know who may not feel deserving of God's grace. Share with that person one of the above verses, either by personal discussion or a loving note.

THURSDAY

4. RELY ON GOD'S PROMISE:
[Your Objective: Know for sure that our afterlife is in Heaven.]

On what does God base His guarantee that you will enter heaven, according to 1 Peter 1:3-5?

  • Why is it not necessary to understand God to fully trust Him?
  • What is God's role in making sure we get to heaven safely?

What does God promise in 1 Peter 1:3-4 because Jesus was resurrected?

  • How do you know that the new life Christ is promising you starts now?
  • Why is Jesus' resurrection essential to our faith?

What are we waiting for according to Romans 8:23?

How do we know we are getting to heaven according to Romans 8:23?

  • What is the role of the Spirit in this verse?
  • How can studying Scripture help us be more confident about God's promises?

Discipleship (Maturity) - To trust in God is to rely on His promises. God's great promise is eternal life with Him as His children. What evidence would there be that a person is relying on God's promise? How would you know that you are relying on Him? What steps can you take to increase your reliance on God's promise?

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Take action on God's promise described in John 3:16.]

Following the steps laid out in John 3:16 is an essential aspect of every Christian's life, and the foundation of an eternal life with God in heaven. Our role takes the form of a prayer expressed between our heart and God: "Even though I don't fully understand, as much as I know how I want to RECOGNIZE Your love, RECEIVE the gift of Your Son Jesus, RESPOND to Your offer by believing in Jesus, and RELY on Your promise of everlasting life, committing my life to You to be guided by Your Spirit." If you have never prayed this and meant it with all your heart, do it now. If you already made this commitment to God, don't leave without having someone in mind with whom you can share this prayer, and ask the rest of your group to pray for that person.