Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

It seems to me that the main need in preparing for heaven is dealing during one's earthly life -- both before and after placing faith in Christ -- with what C. S. Lewis called "the great sin", which is pride, viewable at https://www.homewoodcommunitychurch.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Great-Sin.pdf

Even to place faith in Christ, we must first give up the idea that we are (or even can be) "good enough" in God's view to save ourselves through our own works, and therefore have no need of a Savior.

After that, we must continually strive to develop a servant's heart toward others (as shown by Jesus when He washed the apostles' feet in John 13:1-17), since our entire eternal existence will be devoted to serving God and our fellow redeemed, and doing so with joy and thanksgiving.

December 19 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Donna Williams Supporter

I would simply say, in order for us to prepare for heaven is we must be born again. In chapter 3 of the Gospel according to John, we find these words spoken by Jesus in the following verses: 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, (Nicodemus) "Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

3:5 Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee. Ye must be born again."

And finally, the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:35-50 teaches about the resurrected body. Verse 50 says, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."

December 19 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Salvation is through faith: The central message of John 3:16 is that salvation, and ultimately entrance into heaven, is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith involves acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and believing in his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus as the source of eternal life: John 3:16; 11:25, and Romans 6:23 all emphasize that Jesus is the source of eternal life. He is the resurrection and the life, and believing in him grants access to this eternal life beyond physical death.

Admit you are a sinner but that God offers you the gift of eternal life: Romans 6:23 highlights that eternal life is a gift from God, freely given to those who believe in Christ.

It's important to note that this is a core doctrine within Christianity. Different denominations may have varying interpretations and emphases, but the fundamental belief in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ remains consistent.

But then, after you have accepted Christ as your Savior and Lord, spiritual growth becomes essential. According to Titus 2:11-13, preparing for Heaven means living a life dedicated to Christ, actively turning away from sinful pleasures, and living with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, all the while looking forward with hope to the day when Jesus Christ's glory will be revealed, which is considered the "blessed hope."

And then, speak for Christ. To prepare for Heaven, according to Matthew 28:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15, you will want to share the Gospel with others actively, becoming a disciple-maker by teaching and baptizing new believers, while always being ready to articulate your faith with gentleness and respect when asked about the hope you have in Christ; essentially, live a life that reflects your belief in me and actively spread the good news to others.

December 22 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

How do we prepare for heaven?

A question like this one can make a person stop and ponder. That's a good thing! The question generates other questions, for me, as most questions do; especially the questions asked anonymously. But I won't get into that...

Then I read the scripture reference accompanying the question. The part about the holy city coming down out of heaven "prepared" as a bride adorned for her husband, got my attention. So, I guess the person asking this is wondering if we should do the same. Should we make preparations for our big date? Of course we should! It's described as a wedding of some kind. Who is it that doesn't get ready when they're invited to a big wedding? The biggest decision to be made is 'What am I going to wear?'

Well it depends on whether we are part of the proceedings or just an invited guest. We aren't bridesmaids; we're not the best man; we're not giving the bride away. Here it is:

WE'RE THE BRIDE!... and what is the bride to do? 

"Let us exult and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted for her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure" --- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. Revelation 19:7,8

How do we prepare for heaven?

We get dressed! There's going to be a wedding. We're in it. We will wear fine linen; fine linen is the clothing of righteousness. (We must not try to dress ourselves.) The prophet Isaiah testified of how it happens. He wrote:

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10). 

God prepares us for heaven. We relax and allow Him to finish what He began in us. (Philippians 1:6)

1 day ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report