• Jesus said, "And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."------Matthew 25:46

• For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.------Romans 6:23

• Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.------I Thessalonians 4:17

We should want to go to Heaven because we can be with God there.

What is Hell?

Hell is a Place Prepared For the Ungodly

Hell Will Last Forever

We should want to go to Heaven to avoid the terrors of Hell.

God Created Everything—He Makes the Rules

• For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: "I am the Lord, and there is no other."------Isaiah 45:18

• For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us;------Isaiah 33:22

• "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts."------Isaiah 55:8-9

• There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?------James 4:12

• All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.------II Timothy 3:16-17

• But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.------James 1:25

• As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.------II Peter 1:3

• Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."------John 8:31-32

• For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.------Revelation 22:18-19

• "You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."------Deuteronomy 4:2

• "Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it."------Deuteronomy 12:32

• Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.------Proverbs 30:5-6

God's Word also tells us that many, many people will fall away from the truth of the Bible and mislead countless others. Of course, God's Word was right again.

• For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.------II Timothy 4:3-4

• And Jesus said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."------Luke 16:15

• There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.------Proverbs 14:12

• That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.------Ephesians 4:14

• Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.------I Timothy 4:1-2

• Jesus said, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrine the commandments of men."------Matthew 15:8-9

• For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.------Romans 3:23

We deserve nothing from God. He is perfect, and we are sinful. Thankfully, He has blessed us with the opportunity to go to Heaven and be with Him:

• For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.------Romans 6:23

Paul wrote more books of the Bible than anyone. Before Paul was a Christian, his name was Saul, and he persecuted and even killed Christians. Saul believed that Jesus was a false teacher. This led him to sincerely believe that God was happy when he killed the followers of Jesus. It is hard to believe that Saul thought this way, but he did. The question we must propose is, "Was Saul saved, and heading for Heaven? Or was he lost, and heading for Hell?" Once he became a Christian, and changed his name to Paul, God wrote these next verses through him. Let us read them together as a story:

• Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."------Acts 23:1

• Paul said, "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities."------Acts 26:9-11

• And I [Paul] thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemor, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.------I Timothy 1:12-16

• There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.------Acts 10:1-2

Cornelius definitely sounded like he was heading for Heaven, right? Our feeble minds have trouble picturing this man in Hell. Read the passage again. He was devout. He feared God and recognized God's might. He gave to those less fortunate. He prayed to God constantly. Wow. Was he saved?

• And he [Cornelius] told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, "Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you will be saved."------Acts 11:13-14

The passage above was referring to Cornelius. If you read the entire chapters of Acts 10 and 11, this is easily seen. Anyhow, the point of this section is that Cornelius, a God-fearing, devout, giving, prayerful man was not saved until Peter told him how.

Let us read actual examples of hearing in God's word. Each of the following 8 passages begin a story of someone being saved. Notice every time that the saving message is both preached and heard. Later, we will read of salvation occurring for each:

• Peter said, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"------Acts 2:36-37

• And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.------Acts 8:6

• Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him [the Ethiopian eunuch]. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"------Acts 8:35-36

• And he [Cornelius] told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, "Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you will be saved." And as I [Peter] began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning."------Acts 11:13-15

• And on the Sabbath day we [Paul and Silas] went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.------Acts 16:13-14

• Then they [Paul and Silas] spoke the word of the Lord to him [the Philippian jailor] and to all who were in his house.------Acts 16:32

• Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.------Acts 18:8

• Then Ananias said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you [Saul] that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.------Acts 22:14-15

• Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.------Acts 2:41

• But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.------Acts 8:12-13

• Then Philip said, "If you [the Ethiopian eunuch] believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."------Acts 8:37

• And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.------Acts 10:45

• So they [Paul and Silas] said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you [the Philippian jailor] will be saved, you and your household."------Acts 16:31

• Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.------Acts 18:8

What are God's thoughts on a "Faith Only" way to salvation?:

• Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Do you see that faith was working together with Abraham's works, and by works faith was made perfect? You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.------James 2:17-20, 22, 24, 26

• Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.------John 12:42

• Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven."------Matthew 7:21

• Jesus said, "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?"------Luke 6:46

• Then Peter said to them, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."------Acts 2:38

• Then Philip said, "If you [the Ethiopian eunuch] believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."------Acts 8:37

Baptism gives us remission, or forgiveness of sins:

• Then Peter said to them, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."------Acts 2:38

Baptism saves us:

• And Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."------Mark 16:15-16

• Who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us–baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.------I Peter 3:20-21

Baptism washes away our sins:

• And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.------Acts 22:16

Baptism is commanded:

• And he [Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.------Acts 10:48

Baptism is needed to enter the kingdom of God:

• Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."------John 3:5

Baptism puts on Christ:

• For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.------Galatians 3:27

Baptism puts us into Christ's death:

• Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.------Romans 6:3-4

• Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.------Colossians 2:12

Baptism makes us disciples of Christ:

• Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.------Matthew 28:19

Baptism does so many things.

So far, we have read that baptism:
1) Forgives our sins
2) Saves us
3) Washes away our sins
4) Is commanded
5) Is needed to enter the kingdom of God
6) Puts on Christ
7) Puts us into Christ's death
8) And makes us disciples of Christ

Baptism is a burial:

• Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.------Romans 6:3-4

• Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.------Colossians 2:12

Baptism is a rebirth:

• Jesus answered and said to him [Nicodemus], "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."------John 3:3-5

Baptism requires much water:

• Now John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.------John 3:23

Baptism requires going into and coming out of the water:

• Now as they [the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip] went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.------Acts 8:36-39

• It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.------Mark 1:9-10

Baptism is not a sprinkling or a pouring. Those are more of man's feeble, erroneous ways.

We have read plainly that God's baptism:
1) Is a burial
2) Is a rebirth
3) Requires much water
4) And requires going into and coming out of the water

Maybe God is satisfied with a couple of different types of baptism, right? God tells us how many baptisms are acceptable to Him:

• There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.------Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one and only one baptism that will get us to Heaven. The Lord's baptism is an immersion; it fits the four conditions given by that entire last section of passages.

When we die, will we be covered by a sprinkle of dirt? Will we be covered by a pitcher of dirt? Of course not, we will be buried. That is how much water we need to be buried with Christ. If we have been "baptized" with a pitcher of water, then we should be covered with only a pitcher of dirt when we die. Imagine a funeral where the deceased is covered with a few sprinkles of dirt. How absurd is that? We now see all of the ignorant distortions that ages of lost men have added to God's perfect word.

In the Bible, people:
1) Heard the word of Christ
2) THEN believed that Jesus was the Son of God
3) THEN repented of their sins
4) THEN confessed before men that Jesus was the Son of God
5) And were baptized in water LAST

Is God satisfied with anything else? We should not want to find out. Virtually all infant "baptisms" are not even immersions, which automatically disqualify them as even being baptisms. Scriptural baptism is the result of one's decision to follow God's word. Let us learn who can be baptized correctly:

Baptism is for those that hear the gospel and believe it:

• And Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."------Mark 16:15-16

Baptism is for those that hear the gospel, believe in Christ, and confess Christ before men:

• Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him [the Ethiopian eunuch]. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.------Acts 8:35-38

Baptism is for those that hear the gospel, believe in Christ, confess Christ before men, and repent of their sins:

• Peter said, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said to them, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."------Acts 2:36-38

Besides going against direct instruction from God, many contend that we are sinful from birth. What does God say?

• The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.------Ezekiel 18:20

• So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.------Romans 14:12

If we read the next-to-last passage again, we can see that "the soul who sins shall die." God did not say "the soul who is unfairly given sin shall die." Sin is something that we decide to do. Once we know right and wrong, we start to sin, because we are sinful creatures. Babies do not know right from wrong.

Again, instead of following centuries of senseless, ignorant tradition, why not just follow the example of God's word? In the Bible, we are told to become like children to be saved. Children are saved until they decide to go against God's will. Let us all try to become as little children:

Baptism is for those that become converted into the innocence of little children:

• Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of Heaven."------Matthew 18:3

• Then Peter said to them, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."------Acts 2:38

• But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.------Acts 8:12-13

• Now as they [the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip] went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.------Acts 8:36-39

• Peter said, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.------Acts 10:47-48

• And when she [Lydia] and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us.------Acts 16:15

• And he [the Philippian jailor] took them [Paul and Silas] the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.------Acts 16:33

• Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.------Acts 18:8

• And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.------Acts 22:16

Baptism is essential to our salvation. If we follow the 5 steps outlined here, we will be saved. We have read the many passages from God that tell us so. God has not told us any other way that we can get to Heaven. Man's liberal, mortal views about salvation do not matter. Remember that God is only satisfied with those that follow His instructions. How can we change His plan to save us, and expect Him to follow our feeble instructions? We cannot.

Christ's true church teaches the above doctrine of salvation. We read that THE CHURCH followed those teachings. Rather than follow vain, denominational doctrines created by men, let us find a church of Christ that follows God's perfect instructions.

I pray that you will find a church of Christ near you. They should teach God's doctrine for salvation. Heaven should be our aim. If you have not followed God's plan of salvation, then this is the most important action in your life. Nothing else matters.

What is this life for?

Really, what are you living for? You probably work at your job most of the day, making some money that will disappear someday. However, your salvation means more than your job, your house, or your family. What does God say about the relentless pursuit of earthly goods?

• For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out...For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.------I Timothy 6:7, 10-11

• Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."------Matthew 6:19-21

• Jesus said, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"------Matthew 16:26

• Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.------James 4:14

• But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.------II Peter 3:10