“Christians” Who Will Be Denied Heaven (Part 3)
Finally, you made it to the last article in this three-part series.
In the first part, we discussed Heaven and Hell. And what it means to be a Blasphemer of the Spirit.
In the second part, we discussed individuals who believe they’re “Christian” because they’re “Good” or “Active in Church.” It will also discuss false gospels and those who are “Christian” in secret.
In this final part, we’ll discuss religions that claim to be Christians (but use books other than the Bible to substantiate their faith). At the end, if you’re not sure you’re saved (or if you fall into one of the categories discussed) we’ll discuss how you can get assured of your salvation.
But first, let’s discuss the rest of those “Christians” who will be denied entrance into Heaven.
Any Religion That Uses Another Book Other Than the Holy Bible For Salvation
Religions like Catholicism, Mormonism (LDS), Episcopalians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Judaism.
Please note, that the “Holy Bible” in the Catholic article linked above refers to the Catholic Bible and not God’s Word.
Yes, Jews because they deny the deity of Jesus Christ. Even though the Old Testament spells it out for them.
Some of the Jews of the Old Testament were saved. We know that because the New Testament tells us.
“Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.
“4 Peter exclaimed, ‘Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’
“5 But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ’This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.’ 6 The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.” – Matthew 17:1-6
But they were saved because they believed that God was their savior. They also believed that He would send the Messiah into the world.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:2
“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” – Isaiah 9:6-7
“My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. 3 He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
“4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
“6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
“8 Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people.
“9 He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. 10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
“11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.” – Isaiah 53:2-11
The Jews alive since Jesus Christ came to Earth will not be saved unless they believe and convert to Christianity. Apart from the gospel, it’s not possible to be saved.
“Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. 2 I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. 3 For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. 4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.” – Romans 10:1-4
“For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
“14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’
“16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 18 But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have: ‘The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world.’
“19 But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said, ’I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.’” – Romans 10:13-19
What You Need to Do to Be Saved!
Unfortunately, most people make salvation out to be more than it really is. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ freely paid the price of our sins on the cross for our salvation.
“But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’ 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.” – Galatians 3:13-14
At the same time, God is a just God. Therefore, He will judge according to His standards, not mankind’s.
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” – Ecclesiastic 12:14
We can’t get into Heaven based on our (mankind’s) standards. Because we are all sinners.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
Thankfully, He had a plan. And it’s a plan He’s had since the beginning of time.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Through Jesus Christ, God:
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” – Psalm 103:12
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
And:
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” – John 6:40
Because:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” – John 3:18
Therefore:
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” – Romans 10:9-10
Related article: Are you on the Highway to Hell or the Stairway to Heaven?
Prayer of Salvation (“The Sinner’s Prayer”)
The exact words are not important. But what you’re asking is. So, if you don’t know what to say, then say this.
“Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Now, help me to live for You for the rest of this life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”
Decide to follow Him today because tomorrow is not a promise. Unlike what some religions teach, once you take your last breath you’ll no longer have the choice to choose.
Choosing to follow Christ may require a lifestyle change. To help you with that, it’s important to get into a Bible-believing and teaching church. Surround yourself with people who have a biblical worldview. And get away from whatever you’ve been doing.
Next, get yourself a legitimate copy of God’s Word. It should say “Holy Bible” on the front cover. I use the New Living Translation (NLT), New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV), and New American Standard Bible (NASB) – the 1995 edition.
Translations I would suggest you avoid include (but are not limited to) the King James Version (KJV), the Message, the New World Translation (NWT) – this is the Jehovah’s Witnesses version, the Clear Word Bible Translation, The Passion Translation (TPT), and The Living Bible (TLB).
Praying the prayer is just the start. Next, you must allow the Holy Spirit to change you from within. Allow your old self to go away. This process is known as sanctification. Repent and turn from your sins. Then, go and live out your faith in everything you do.
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
“Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.’” – Luke 13:2-3
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” – Titus 2:11-12
“Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:16
And tell others about the good news, that is Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
If you found value in this article, consider reading: A Bible Study of the Bible
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