A genuine gift is not earned or deserved, therefore, no amount of personal effort or “church work” can earn heaven for us. God offers it only as a gift.

The Bible makes it clear that eternal life must be a gift because man is a sinner. Not just any man, but all men and women. God says, “…all have sinned and come short…” (Romans 3:23) We are separated from God by sin. Thus, man cannot save himself because he is continually doing that which keeps him from eternal life: sin.

In spite of our sin, God is merciful. He loves us because “…God is love.” (1 John 4:8) But the same Bible that tells us God loves us also says that God is just. Being just, He always renders perfect justice. He, therefore, must punish sin, “…and that will by no means clear the guilty.” (Exodus 34:7)

Now, we recognize our problem. We are sinners and God–being just–must punish our sins. Jesus is the only answer to our problem. But, who is Jesus? What did He do for us?

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God come in the flesh. (1 John 1:1,14) He came to this earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to purchase a place in heaven for us.

“But God commands His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“…the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity (sin) of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jesus’ life and death is the gift offered to sinful man.

We receive God’s gift of eternal life by faith. Faith is the key to heaven. “For by grace are ye saved through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8) Faith that saves us is not just an intellectual understanding of Biblical facts, nor is it just a trust in God for the temporary needs of life such as health and finances. Saving faith is trusting that Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection purchased eternal life for you.

To express this faith and put our new desires into action, God allows us to talk to Him directly. This is called prayer. A prayer, asking God for eternal life, may be expressed like this:

“Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But I believe that You died and gave Your life for me and purchased a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for my salvation, and I accept the free gift of eternal life. Amen”