"What do the scriptures say about getting into Heaven?"
When I first read this in an email I thought it was a trick question. You're kidding me, right? The scriptures say plenty about getting into Heaven. Then I started really thinking about it, particularly in light of giving a real, truthful, and understandable answer to someone who perhaps really wanted to know. That's when I got scared and nervous. What an awesome responsibility and a privilege. I thought about it for a while and discussed with my mid-week study partner, Terry, who was equally excited.
However, before you read my answer, remember, I not formally trained in Biblical scholarship, nor do I hold a degree in Divinity. This is a layman's opinion, based on a layman's understanding of scriptures. Hopefully that understanding is illuminated with some degree of Godly insight from above. Having said that - I think I am ready, so here goes.
It will help our understanding if we first consider what Heaven is. Once we know that, then we can see about actually getting there. First, I believe the scriptures say that Heaven is a definite place - a physical place, not just some dreamland or mythical destination, although when you compare it to where we are now it certainly seems so.
Consider this; we know that Jesus resurrected from the dead in a real physical body, but one with Heavenly properties. After suddenly materializing inside of a closed room where his disciples were, He told Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing." (John 20:27)
Later after blessing his disciples we know that Jesus was carried up into Heaven. (Luke: 24:51, Mark 16:19). So, I figure Heaven is a definite place. The physical body of Jesus is there, and we know that Jesus specifically said in John 14:2-4,
"In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto my self; that where I am, there ye may be also."
Awesome! Okay, so Heaven is a place. Now let's consider why there is a Heaven. From what I can understand from scripture, Heaven is a reward, a place where those who have overcome through faith can enter into the rest of the Father. In Philippians 3:20 the scriptures state that ultimately, "our citizenship is in Heaven". Peter's writings tell us that we have an everlasting, incorruptible, and undefiled inheritance waiting for us in Heaven (I Peter 1:3). Sounds good to me!
Lastly, let's consider who is in Heaven right now. We know from the above scriptures that Jesus is there, the Father is there, for Jesus sat down at his right side. We know that multitudes of angels are there. Whether or not those of have "fallen asleep in Christ" are presently there I will leave to more knowledgeable scholars. The point is, Heaven is place where there will be only light. Every tear will be wiped away. Holiness and purity reign supreme. Sin cannot enter therein; no evil shall enter there; no sickness is there, and from what I have read the streets are paved with gold. Wear your shades; the future is bright.
Okay, now how do we get into Heaven? What to the scriptures say? In a nutshell they say we must be changed. We must become what we are not yet. Have you noticed that everything that is in Heaven or that Heaven is we are not? There is no sin in Heaven; we are full of sin. There is no evil and impurity in Heaven; we are often covered in the same. James 1:17 describe God as the "Father of lights"; yet we are often in darkness.
We have a problem; we must somehow be transformed. John 3:5 states, "...Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Happily that is exactly what God does through the working of His Spirit in our hearts.
There are so many scripture references that I cannot list them all, but basically we can assure ourselves a place with the Father in Heaven, by believing on His Son, Jesus by name. All whom confess Him as Lord, and believe that He was raised from the dead shall be saved. Not maybe, but definitely so. Our transgressions will be wiped away by the blood of Christ. Christ himself said that, He was the living bread, and if any name eats of Him, that man shall never die.
In I Corinthians 15:51 we learn that we shall be changed "in the twinkling of an eye". Our corruption shall be transformed into that which is incorruptible. Our mortal shall "put on" immortality. On that day we will finally be like God, purified and glorified. Then we will humbly but boldly, with thanksgiving unrestrained take our place in Heaven, and forever be with Him.
Man, that sounds good to me, and I pray does to you also. If you have even slightly been thinking about Heaven, I say go for it. I have not reached my ultimate goal yet, but it's sweet to know the Lord has gone to prepare a place for me. I wonder what color my room will be? No matter, it will be nice, and that is definitely Good News Only.
