07/16/2026
📖 ROOTED IN THE WORD
A Weekly Devotional from Maplewood Baptist Church
Written by Curtis Jones
How Can I Know for Sure That I Will Go to Heaven When I Die?
Do you know for certain that you have eternal life and that you will go to heaven when you die? God wants you to be sure! The Bible says:
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
(1 John 5:13, KJV)
Suppose you were standing before God right now, and He asked you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” What would you say?
You may not know what to reply. What you need to know is that God loves us and has provided a way that we can know for sure where we will spend eternity. The Bible states it this way:
“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, KJV)
We first have to understand the problem that is keeping us from heaven. The problem is this: our sinful nature keeps us from having a relationship with God. We are sinners by nature and by choice.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
(Romans 3:23, KJV)
We cannot save ourselves.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, KJV)
Because of our sin, we deserve death and hell.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(Romans 6:23, KJV)
God is holy and just and must punish sin, yet He loves us and has provided forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(John 14:6, KJV)
Jesus died for us on the cross:
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”
(1 Peter 3:18, KJV)
Jesus was resurrected from the dead:
”…who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
(Romans 4:25, KJV)
So, back to the original question: “How can I know for sure that I will go to heaven when I die?”
The answer is this:
“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
(Acts 16:31, KJV)
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
(John 1:12, KJV)
You can receive eternal life as a FREE gift.
”For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(Romans 6:23, KJV)
You can experience the abundant life that Jesus promises right now. Jesus said:
“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
(John 10:10, KJV)
You can spend eternity with Jesus in heaven, for He promised:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
(John 14:3, KJV)
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive forgiveness from God, here is a prayer you can pray. Saying this prayer, or any other prayer, will not save you. It is only trusting in Jesus Christ that can provide forgiveness of sins. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing your forgiveness.
“God, I know that I have sinned against You and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that, through faith in Him, I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness. Amen.”
If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, we would rejoice with you. If you have questions about salvation or would like to speak with someone about what the Bible says, please send us a message or visit us at Maplewood Baptist Church. We’d be honored to encourage you from God’s Word.
