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What does the Bible say about getting into heaven?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that entry into heaven is God’s gracious gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not earned by human works. Because all have sinned and sin brings death, God gave his Son so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 3:16). Jesus is the only way to the Father, and people must be born again by the Spirit (John 14:6; John 3:3). Salvation comes by grace through faith, as those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe in his resurrection are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9). True faith also bears fruit in obedience, forgiveness, and doing the Father’s will, rather than merely making a profession (Matthew 7:21-27; John 14:15).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

  • John 14:6

    Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

  • Romans 10:9

    that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

  • Ephesians 2:8-9

    [8] for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, that no one would boast.

  • Matthew 7:21-27

    [21] Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' [23] Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.' [24] "Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."

  • John 3:3

    Jesus answered him, "Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the Kingdom of God."

  • Romans 6:23

    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Romans 3:23

    for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

  • Matthew 6:14-15

    [14] "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • John 14:15

    If you love me, keep my commandments.

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