As a theologian, I am always interested to know diverse topics about Christian life. One aspect of Christian life I grew so much interest in since I started my theology course is salvation.
In my quest to understand salvation, a concept popped up that struck my mind; is salvation enough to get one to Heaven? This concept sent me into deep research to understand what the Bible has to say about it.
I also consulted with various pastors and theologians to get different perspectives. Recently, in an online forum that I am a part of, one of the members asked if one can go to Heaven for just being saved.
The rest of the members grew so much interest in this question and also wanted to know the answers. Thanks to the extensive research that I conducted on this topic, I was in a better position to answer them.
So, can you go to Heaven just by being saved?
According to the Bible, salvation, which is believing in Jesus Christ, is enough to get you eternal life. John 3:16 notes that those who believe in Jesus Christ shall not perish but will have eternal life. However, it is key to note that we do not gain salvation by our works but through faith and God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
So, join me as I discuss this interesting topic about salvation and Heaven. I will tackle and give you some interesting facts on whether one can continue to sin and still claim to be saved if everyone who is saved will go to Heaven, and whether getting saved is enough to take one to Heaven.
Keep reading to learn more.
Is getting saved enough to take me to Heaven?
This question is debatable among several theologians, but if we understand what being saved is, then answering it is quite easy.
Being saved not only comes with accepting Christ but also striving to live as he did. 1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
That means when you say you are saved, it is not only in your words but also in your actions. Therefore, if you are saved and walking the talk, that is enough to get you to Heaven.
However, it is important to note that you do not go to Heaven because of your righteous deeds. Everyone who will go to Heaven will be because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross.
Therefore, though being saved alone guarantees you Heaven, those who are truly saved believe and strive to follow everything Jesus taught; they strive to lead holy lives.
Can someone continue in sin and still be saved?
Before we dwell on the answer to this question, it is key to understand how one acquires salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The Bible is clear that we are saved by the grace of God and not by our works. Therefore, from the point of salvation, we are counted as righteous because we have been perfected in Christ.
Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Therefore, you can still sin and claim to be saved.
Even in the Bible, Peter, who was a disciple of Jesus, sinned despite being in Jesus’ close circle. In the book of Luke 22:55, Peter denies Jesus: “And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don’t know him,’ he said.”
However, despite this grievous sin, Jesus did not renounce him. However, in Romans 6:1-2, Apostle Paul poses a question to us and asks, “Shall we continue living in sin because we are under the umbrella of grace.”
He gives us the answer in verse two and says, “By no means.” Paul reminds us that by being saved, we have died to sin and should no longer live in it.
Will everyone that is saved go to Heaven?
According to the Bible, all who are truly saved will inherit the Kingdom of God (Heaven). Those who will inherit the Kingdom of God have one thing in common, they have all fallen short of God’s grace, but in their lifetime, they placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
The scripture in the book of John 1:12 notes, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Those who are saved are those who have humbly come before Christ, repented of their sins, and decided to follow a new path.
These people did not earn salvation by their own works, and they are promised eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Does being saved mean we are going to Heaven?
Though the scripture is clear that one has to be saved to go to Heaven, salvation is more than just our eternal destination.
The bible says that the reward for sinners is death, but those who believe in Christ get a free gift of eternal life: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
However, salvation should not just be viewed as a ticket to a better future but should take effect in our lives now. God has a plan for each and every one’s life on earth.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Therefore, after being saved, we should have an entirely new perspective on how we conduct our earthly life and not just put our eyes and mind on eternal life.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
