How You Can Know That You’re Going To Heaven

Yesterday I mentioned the verse which shows you that you can know for certain that you are going to heaven:

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

The question may come up in your mind, “But how?” I have met quite a few Christians who have struggled with assurance, wondering if they are really saved or not. But if you believe in Him you can know that you have everlasting life and are going to heaven.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47 

So here are some thoughts to help you:

Examine yourself 

Some people who question whether they are really Christians are not living like it. They are living like the world, they hear what God wants them to do but don’t do it, and they don’t look much different from before. If that is the case it is worth examining yourself to see if you really are or not.

Have you truly repented of your sin, and believed in Jesus as your Saviour to forgive you of your sin? Repentance means that you will change your mind and walk in the other direction – following what God wants and not what you want.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. 2 Cor 13:5

 It can take time to grow and get rid of our old habits though, so don’t despair if you are still struggling with your old sin – we all do to some extent till we get to heaven, but there should be growth and a desire to please God if we are really saved. 

If you are worried about it, then you probably are saved

 As our Pastor in America likes to say, if you are worried about it, then you probably are saved! People who aren’t don’t tend to worry about it very much!

And if you’re not sure, do it over to make sure, and ask God to forgive you of your sins and believe in Him for salvation.

Make sure of your commitment 

 Go through these questions and test yourself:

  • Do you believe the Bible is true? 
  • Do you understand why you need a Saviour (Rom 6v23, Rom 3v23)? 
  • Do you believe that Jesus Christ went to the cross and paid the price for your sins? 
  • Do you believe that on the 3rd day he rose again that because he lives, you too have life? 
  • Did you confess with your mouth that you are a sinner, and ask for forgiveness? 
  • Did you make a decision to turn away from your sin and follow Christ? 

If you have done these things then you have believed the gospel, repented of your sin and believed in Jesus which is what you need to do to become a Christian.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14,15

Check your Life 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  2Co 5:17

  • Do you sin as much now, as you did before coming to Christ? 
  • Do you want to be holy? 
  • Does it grieve you when you fall into sin? 
  • Are you doing your best to follow the Lord’s commands? 

Obedience proves Christ lives in us: ‘Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. ‘ 1 John 3:19-24

If we have a desire to please God and are grieved when we sin then that is an evidence of the Holy Spirit in us.

If you are can say yes to these checks but are still not sure whether you’re going to heaven, you can say this prayer to ask God to give you the assurance you need.

“Lord Jesus Christ, I do trust in You for my salvation. I do believe You died for me. I do repent of my sins and desire to follow You. Please give me assurance that I am saved and going to heaven. In Your name, Amen.”

I would also recommend that you read 1 John and keep reading it till you have assurance, since it was written for that purpose if you look at the verse at the top of the page!

Linking up to On Your Heart Tuesday and Solo Deo Gloria

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1 Response

  1. Thanks for posting this. It was very helpful.