1 John 5:13-21: Do you hope you will go to heaven when you die? Many denominations and other religions teach their followers that we can hope to go to heaven by doing enough good things, say enough prayers, or even martyr themselves. Even then they can not know for sure that they will spend eternity with Paradise with God. As believers God did not want us to have to be anxious about this. He wanted us to know for certain. That is why in 1 John 5 He writes

1 John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Look at the verse again. How do you know you have eternal life? “You who believe in the name of the Son of God” have eternal life. You may be saying then how do I do that. You acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came and lived a perfect life and gave Himself to die on the cross for your sin. Ask Him to forgive the sin you have committed and ask Him to become the Lord of your life. Then walk according to His commands. It is not a doing enough good thing. The obedience to the commands is not what saves you. Giving your life over to Him does. That is why you can relax and live in a love relationship with Him and do what He says is best because you trust Him to lead you in the right ways.

You read stories every day of people who died unexpectedly. I always wonder if they had a relationship with Jesus. Many know the truths we have talked about today but think “I will get around to it one day.” Some never have that opportunity because of a tragic loss of life. Oh that you would not wait. I pray you will start this Jesus life now and know the abundance of life in Him. It is not just about Heaven one day, but about fullness of life here now. Don’t delay, know for sure.