How to Get to Heaven: Is being a Christian enough?

"I'm a Christian", is a phrase that is loosely said these days. Many people claim Christianity without really knowing what it involves to be a Christian. Many people think that as long as you believe in Jesus, you're a Christian and nothing else is necessary. Well folks, I'm here to expose the falsehood of this belief and how dangerous it actually is. 

"Is being a Christian enough"? This is a tough question that needs to be examined before I can answer. First of all, what is a Christian? Or shall I say, what is a REAL Christian? 

In wikipedia a Christian is defined as; "Noun: A person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Adjective: Of, relating to, or professing Christianity or its teachings."   


  I must say, this definition is very good actually! What about the bible? Although the bible doesn't exactly define a "Christian", it does tell us exactly what the requirements are to be saved.

In Acts 2:38 Paul tells us, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 

So from this verse we can point out 2 requirements. 1. Repent, 2. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So if you or someone you know claims to be a Christian, have they repented of their sins? See, repentance is actually misunderstood. Many people think repenting is simply asking for forgiveness of your sins, when in reality what it is is not only asking for forgiveness, but turning from sin!

The original Hebrew term for repentance was "Teshuvah".  Teshuvah means "turning". In scriptures and in ancient Israel the verb "shoov" , "turn", was used in the phrase, "Turn to God".  So when the bible tells us to repent, it's telling us to TURN from our ways, not only to ask for forgiveness. God requires us to turn to Him and to change our minds! The #2 requirement is to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, which is what completes our salvation, and is an outward expression of our commitment to Christ.

So, is believing enough? Nope. In James 2:19 it states that even demons believe...and shudder! To be saved we must repent, be baptized, and continually show obedience. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commands". So our obedience, which is linked with repentance, shows that our love for God is genuine! And being obedient is NOT a suggestion, but a requirement. 

Matthew 7:21 says, "Not every one that said to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven." It's clear from this verse that in order to get to heaven, we must do the will of God. This means being obedient to His commands and to follow the Holy Spirit's instructions. When Jesus was teaching his disciples, someone came to Him and told Him that His mother and brother were asking for Him outside. Jesus said to them, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?....whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

So how does someone get to heaven? Being genuinely repentant (turning from your ways), being baptized, and being obedient to Christ! Being a Christian is not just a phrase, but a lifestyle. Here's a funny question to think about...If you were taken to court for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? The way you live and your commitment to God should be something that everyone should be able to notice! :)

God bless!