The Only Ones Going to Heaven

The Only Ones Going To Heaven
 

"I've heard that you 'Church of Christ' people think that you are the only ones going to heaven. Is that true?" We are often asked this question, and we appreciate the opportunity to explain what we believe. Would you please give careful consideration to these simple points from the Bible?

1) It important to remember that God is the judge of eternal things. Our personal opinions do not matter. What you think, what we think, what some religious denomination teaches -- none of this matters. In fact, Jesus said that many who think they are saved, will be lost in the last day (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23), “ 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.” “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”    The Scriptures will be the standard of judgment (John 12:48) says“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”

2) The New Testament clearly teaches who will be saved. It describes a simple 'plan of salvation' that any accountable person can understand and obey. We must hear the truth (Rom 10:17), believe the truth (Hebrews 11:6), repent of our sins (Luke 13:3), confess our faith in Jesus (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38). If we remain faithful, we are promised a reward in heaven (Revelation 2:10). This not a human dogma or creed, it is the plain and simple teaching of God's Word. If a person obeys these commands they will be saved. If they do not, they will be lost. It is just that simple. The only ones going to heaven are the ones who submit to God's will and obey His commands.

3) Now, where does the church of Christ figure into all of this? Acts 2:47 tells us that the Lord adds those who are saved to the church. When you do what you must do to be saved then you are automatically added to that church which you read about in the New Testament of the Bible. This is not some man-made denomination. It is the church that belongs to Jesus -- it is the "church of Christ" (Romans 16:16). Therefore, the answer is yes -- you must be a member of that New Testament church to go to heaven. Do you see it?
 
 
Jimmy