What the Bible Says About How to Go to Heaven
First, we must realize that we are not good. We like to think that we are good, but in reality no one is what the Bible calls "righteous." Because everyone has done something wrong; this makes us sinners.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one"
We like to think that we are more good than bad; but the Bible says there is a consequence for our sins. Even the smallest wrong that we have done carries consequences. Because we are sinners, we have condemned ourselves to a place called hell.
"For the wages of sin is death"
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
The consequences of our sin is death in hell. That is why Jesus Christ had to come to earth, be born of a virgin, live a perfect (sinless) life, and then give up that life on the cross. He took the consequences of our sin for us.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
So, here's the situation: we are sinners, and thus bound for hell. Jesus died, taking the punishment of our sins so that we don't have to go to hell. One more step is necessary for salvation. How do we get Jesus' payment of our sins to be applied to our account?
It is not by works:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us"
It is not just by believing in God:
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
It is by repenting of our sins, and accepting Christ's gift of eternal life in Heaven. To "repent" means to turn from; you cannot hold onto the world and profess Christ at the same time. You must fully throw yourself upon the mercy of Christ! You cannot depend on your own works and also depend on Jesus; you must give Him your complete faith.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
You are not too bad of a person to get saved. Jesus died for you! He stands ready to receive you, if you will only turn from your sins and put your trust in Him. Jesus offers you a whole new life!
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."