“For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Notice this scripture passage does not say you are saved by good works. In fact, it declares that salvation is not of works, so that no one can boast of it. It’s simply by the grace (unmerited favor) of God through our faith in Christ that we are saved. Some preachers think and preach that you must live a particular way (being holy) and do particular things. But consider the thief on the cross next to Jesus during His crucifixion. What did he do? He simply repented by realizing he was “getting what we deserve” and believed in Jesus and called on His Name. Jesus then assured him of heaven that day.

I will agree that we are saved for doing good works. They will determine our rewards in heaven, buy they have absolutely nothing to do with our being saved. Preachers who claim otherwise are preaching the heresy of works salvation. Satan is behind all doctrine that claims God’s grace through faith is not enough to be saved. The devil is clever and has many tricks up his sleeve. Paul called them the “wiles of the devil.” He is too tricky for man. That’s why most men fall into his traps and remain unbelievers in Jesus. That is why most people will never see heaven.

Many people buy into Satan’s lie that you must earn your way to heaven. Even Christians are too often distressed by thinking they aren’t doing enough for God. And most Christians are guilty of not serving the Lord as we should. But we need to all realize that heaven is assured for us and that we have the Holy Spirit as our earnest (down payment) to show that God means what He says when He promises us salvation through His Son, Jesus the Christ.

No, my friends, if you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God; if you truly believe that He died for our sins, was buried, and arose from the dead; and if you call on Him to save you, you should rest assured that your soul will proceed directly to heaven the moment you die. The only thing you have to worry about is whether you were sincere in believing and trusting in Christ to forgive, forget, and save.

Unfortunately, many are deceived. Some long-time church members think they are saved because they were baptized or walked down the church aisle at an altar call in obedience to parents’ wishes or in conformity to their friends’ request or such. 

No, it takes sincere belief, called faith, and trusting in Christ. You must take God at His word and believe He can and will keep His promise to you of eternal life. Keep in mind, too, that eternal life is a present, not just a future, possession.