Three Steps To Heaven

   Hell was not prepared for us (Matthew 25:41); rather heaven was (John 14:2-3). Anyone who does the will of the Father can go there (Revelation 22:14). Our journey to heaven can really be broken down into 3 steps.

   As you aim your sights toward a heavenly reward, the first step you must make is the step “out of self.” Jesus told His disciples that if they would follow Him, it would require self denial. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Once a person has taken this step, God will be placed at the top of his or her priority list. (Matthew 6:33). 

   The next logical step for one to take after deciding to follow Christ is the step “into Christ.” After the first step, this one should be very easy to follow, but it is not completed until one has heard the gospel (Romans 10:17), believed in Jesus (John 8:24), repented of all sin (Luke 13:3,5), confessed the name of Christ (Romans 10:10), and been baptized to have all sin washed away (Acts 22:16). Then, if a person is faithful to God until death (Revelation 2:10), the final step can be made.

   The last step to be made on the journey to heaven is the step “into glory.” Paul said, “that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (I Corinthians 15:50). In this step we will have to be transformed from physical beings into spiritual ones. This will happen either upon our physical death or the return of Christ. Then there will be a judgment (Hebrews 9:27). What a scene it will be! All nations will be gathered and then separated. The righteous will be set on the right hand of the shepherd, and the unrighteous on His left hand. For the disobedient it will be a terrible day as they will be sent away to everlasting punishment. But for them that have obeyed the Lord it will be a great day as we shall inherit the kingdom that has been prepared for us. (Matthew 25:31-46). If you will decide today to take the first two steps, then you will be ready to step into that glory prepared for the Lord’s faithful children.