Imagine receiving a formal, hand-delivered invitation to the most exclusive and glorious event imaginable: a permanent place in a perfect kingdom, with joy that never ends. The invitation is free; all you have to do is accept it. Now, imagine someone instead tries to climb the fence, or offers to pay at the gate with loose change, or insists their name must already be on the list because they’re a decent neighbor.

It sounds silly, but that’s exactly how we often treat God’s offer of salvation. We think our good behavior, our family’s religion, or our personal sense of morality is enough to get us into heaven. We ignore the clear RSVP; faith in Jesus Christ alone.

The question of what takes a person to heaven or hell is one of the most important questions we will ever answer. It’s not decided by a cosmic scale of good vs. bad deeds, but by a single, personal choice. Let’s cut through the confusion and look at the simple, powerful truth of what the Bible says determines your eternal destiny.

Your answer changes everything.

Many people wonder, “What decides where I go after death?” Some believe that good works save them, while others think that just saying a prayer is enough. But the Bible gives clear answers that more is needed.

Let’s break it down:

What sends a person to Heaven, and what sends them to Hell?

1. What CANNOT Take You to Heaven

Before listing what can save you, let’s clear up some false hopes people have:

Good Works Alone

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Good deeds matter, but they don’t erase sin. Only Jesus’ sacrifice does.

Being Religious or Going to Church

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
Just attending church or praying doesn’t save you; only true faith in Christ does.

Baptism or Rituals

Baptism is important, but it doesn’t save you by itself. Even the thief on the cross was saved without it (Luke 23:43).

Being a “Good Person”

“None is righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)
Everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23), and no one is good enough on their own.

2. What CAN Take You to Heaven

Faith in Jesus Christ

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Believing means trusting Jesus alone for salvation, not yourself.

Repentance (Turning from Sin)

“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
Real faith leads to turning away from sin (Acts 3:19).

Surrendering to Jesus as Lord

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
True salvation means letting Jesus rule your life.

3. What Takes You to Hell

Hell is real, and many go there because they reject God’s way. Here’s what sends people to Hell:

Rejecting Jesus

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36)
The #1 reason people go to Hell is refusing Christ.

Living in Unrepentant Sin

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
If someone loves sin more than God, they show they don’t truly believe.

Trusting in False Religions or Self-Righteousness

“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
No other religion, philosophy, or good deeds can save—only Jesus.

Final Warning: Don’t Wait!

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Tomorrow isn’t promised (Proverbs 27:1).

How to Be Sure You’re Going to Heaven

Admit you’re a sinner (Romans 3:23).
Believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Repent and follow Him as Lord (Acts 3:19).

Believe God’s word; if you do this, you WILL be saved!

What about you?
Are you trusting in Jesus alone? Or are you hoping in good works, religion, or luck? Today is the day to get right with God!

“Choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)*