How to save a life, part 3

Recent surveys say that over 94 percent of people believe in God and 89 percent believe in heaven. Some 75 percent of those surveyed believe they'll get to heaven. But the thing is, most people don't really understand what it takes to get there. The Bible has something to say about that, and you, as a Christian, should, too.

One of ec's goals is to help you know God, own your faith, and find ways to make that faith known in the world around you. So as you consider talking with those in your life who need to know what the Bible says about getting to heaven, remember this acronym: KNOW.

K: Know God. You have to have a personal relationship with God in order to go to heaven. Without that relationship, sin keeps you separated from Him. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23)

N: Name Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only way to salvation. To go to heaven, you must believe that Jesus is who He says He is, God's Son. As the perfect, sinless Son of God, only Jesus can forgive your sin. (Rom. 10:9-10)

O: Own up to your sin. Believing is great, but you have to take personal responsibility for your sin and confess it to God. He will hear you AND forgive you. Forgiveness is a free gift. You can't earn it. All you have to do is ask. (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 John 1:9-10)

W: Walk in a different direction. In Bible-speak, this action is called repentance. It involves turning away from your sinful choices and choosing to live in a different way. Repent means going a different direction. As a Christian, your life should look different from the one you led before. (Luke 13:3; Eph. 5:8)

When you talk to others about salvation, be sure to encourage them to tell other Christians in their lives about the decision. Help them to find a church and get involved. Encourage them to follow Christ in believer's baptism.