That is not what I asked

Have you noticed how; when you ask someone a question, they often answer a different one? For example, this often happens when you ask people, “Are you going to heaven?” Many people give a response but do not truly answer the question. As you read this article, ask yourself if you are guilty of answering the wrong question.

When I ask you, “Are you going to heaven?” I am not asking you…

Do you want to go to heaven?

Although this is a good question, desiring to go somewhere and knowing whether you are going somewhere are very different. Some have concluded that they are going to heaven based upon their desire. We know this is true because of what Jesus said will happen in the last day. In Matthew 7:21-23, Christ speaks of the many who will think they are going to heaven merely because they want to go there. Let me be clear – it is good to desire to go to heaven! God’s word tells us of the requirements to actually get there though. Desire does not answer the question, “Are you going to heaven?”

Does God want you to go to heaven?

No Christian should doubt whether our heavenly Father wants us to go to heaven. He sent His Son to die on the cross so that we all might be saved (John 3:16). We are even told that our God does not want anyone to perish (II Pet. 3:9). However, we are not guaranteed to go to heaven just because our Creator wants us to go. It is true that God desires for us to join Him in heaven and thus made it accessible to us, but this does not answer the question, “Are you going to heaven?”

Do others say you are going to heaven?

Many religious people have been misled and now have a false hope of heaven. They believe they are going to heaven because of what their preacher said or because of what their family and friends told them. They are not considering what God has said about the matter. This is like when Eve was told in the garden that she would not die for disobedience when God clearly said she would (Gen. 3:4). Those who think they can blame the preacher or family member who taught error need to remember what Jesus said - when the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch (Matt. 15:14).  The teachings of men do not answer the question, “Are you going to heaven?”

Do you feel like you are going?

It is sad when people are taught that they cannot know whether they are going to heaven. These people often express interest in heaven but only say that they hope to get there. Jesus came to the earth to give us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). We already discussed how people can have false assurance of heaven, but this does not mean that we cannot know. God’s standards are clear, and we should remember this when asked “Are you going to heaven?”

We can know if we are going to heaven

The fact that we can know whether we are going to heaven means we can also know when we are not going. By looking to the true path described in God’s word, we can know with certainty whether we are on track to go to heaven and can take appropriate action (Matt. 7:13-14). Notice Paul’s confidence: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing.” (II Tim. 4:7-8).   

Paul’s confidence does not stem from pride or love of self – it stems from confidence in our Lord. All of us are in a fight and a race that we can win, but we need to keep the faith like Paul. May we examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5) and make sure we have a proper assurance that we are going to heaven.                                                                                      

 Chuck