How to Know That You Are Going to Heaven As a Christian

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References Approved

Surely, knowing where you will be after you die is the most important thing you will ever need to be sure of. And this is the short, simple answer for how to get to heaven: Jesus. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Does that answer seem too simple? In that case, let's look at the long answer below (The answer is still simple of course, and it's still Jesus; but it may be helpful to include some additional information and background).

Steps

1
Identify a trustworthy source of information. Let's say you were trying to become a citizen of a foreign country. Which of the following would give you more assurance?
- The king of that country promising that you would be granted citizenship.
or
- A citizen of your own country promising that you would be granted citizenship (in the country to which they have never been).
So, if we seek citizenship in heaven, we would want assurance from God Himself, rather than assurance from anyone else, right? The Bible claims to be the trustworthy word of God.^{[1]
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Research source} If you're not so sure, and would like to further investigate the Bible's trustworthiness, you may first want to read Understand Why Christians Believe the Bible is True.
2
Know the requirements for heaven (where God dwells). God is holy, perfect and without spot. He is also a just judge to whom we must appear before, to give an account of our lives.^{[2]
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Research source} In other words, God is righteous, and anyone who dwells with Him must also be righteous.^{[3]
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3
Know what the problem is. Why wouldn't you go to heaven? You must first recognize that your default condition will prevent you from being accepted into heaven. You, as a human being, are infected with a spiritual disease (as all humans are—other than Jesus). This disease is called "sin”. All the bad things you do and think are symptoms of this deadly disease.^{[4]
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Research source} Unless dealt with, sin disqualifies us for heaven and separates us from God.^{[3]
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4
Know what the solution is. God is holy and just, but He is also loving. God wants us to go to heaven, to be with Him. He also knows about our disease of sin that has separated us from Him.^{[5]
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Research source} Because of God's love, He chose to send Jesus to earth, in order to save us.^{[6]
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Research source} Jesus lived a perfect life and then took the death penalty on our behalf (because the punishment for sin is death). By doing this, God made it possible for sinful humans to be reconciled with Himself. In fact, this is the only way we can be reconciled with God.^{[7]
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5
Accept the solution. God has provided the way for us to be reconciled with Himself, through Jesus' death on our behalf. However, He does not force us to be reconciled; rather, He allows us to make the choice.^{[8]
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Research source}"But to all who did receive him [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," (John 1:12) If you want to put your trust in Jesus and return to God, then you can simply tell Him so.^{[9]
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Research source} Not sure what to say? God knows your heart; just be honest with Him and ask Him for help. You could tell Him something along the lines of: "God, I know I'm a sinner. But I read that You love me and sent Jesus to pay for my sin. I choose to trust in Jesus. Please come and take Your rightful place as King in my life." And there you have it, how to be reconciled with God, who is in heaven. Jesus, in speaking to the Father, said, "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

Community Q&A

Question

If I have used the phrase "Oh My God" so many times in my daily life, can I still be forgiven and go to Heaven?

Acrocanthosaurus

Community Answer

Absolutely. God forgives all sins, but that's not a free pass to do whatever you want, though. After you ask for forgiveness, ask God to give you the strength to resist saying it.
Question

Is it possible to live sinless after being baptised and accepting Jesus as my lord and savior?

Community Answer

No. Every single Christian on earth commits sin. Just do your best every day and pray for the strength to do better.
Question

Can I confess while praying?

Community Answer

Certainly. You can confess something bad you've done while praying. God wants you to talk to Him. Just tell Him what's on your mind and what's bugging you.

Warnings

Whether you know it or not, you have an enemy who desires your harm. This enemy seeks to keep people from being saved. His name is the devil, or satan. The Bible tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” And as you may already know, we also have 2 enemies in addition to the devil: our own sinful nature, and the corrupt world-system we live in. But if Jesus is in your life, don’t let all this overwhelm you with fear, for “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”^{[16]
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If you have placed your trust in Jesus, there will inevitably be times when you don’t “feel” saved. When that happens, remember that the firm foundation of your faith is Jesus, not your feelings. Feelings are frequently fickle, Jesus is unchanging. You can fix your eyes on Jesus and ask Him to grant you a new heart with new desires, and to help you grow in holiness and be more like Christ. You can ask for His help to bravely proclaim the good news that you have come to know. Walk by faith, not by sight!^{[17]
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