A popular idea, according to opinion polls, is that good people go to heaven. And a majority of those polled se their own chances of going there to be good. Most people base their expectation of heaven on their performance in this life, irrespective of their relationship to Christ. Is this a valid hope?

---

We must look to the Bible for an authoritative answer. Scripture clearly tells us that a day is coming when evil will be punished and virtue rewarded. This will take place at the day of judgement. Those who in this life have not availed themselves of the only way of salvation through the grace of God and the atoning death of Christ will not enter the gates of heaven. The Word is unequivocal: "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27 NIV)

---

A living faith in Christ, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29), is the sole condition for having our names written in that book. It's our decision. We must recognize our need of forgiveness and put our faith in Christ as Redeemer and Savior.

---

Why not make absolutely certain of heaven by opening your heart to Christ the Savior and Lord right now, inviting Him to enter, to cleanse it from sin, and to make it His permanent dwelling place? He gives this assurance: "If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20).

Excerpted from the RBC booklet Just Before Heaven: The Judgement Seat of Christ (HP 941) by J. Oswald Sanders.