When it comes to heaven, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings out there. Does Baptism get you into heaven or doesn't it? Will tattoos keep you out of heaven? How does salvation even work?
Whatever questions you're wrestling with about Heaven, you're not alone. Let’s explore some of these common questions and take a closer look at what the Bible actually says.
1. Can we go to heaven with tattoos?
Tattoos are one of those topics that can stir up a lot of debate. Some believe they’re a sin, while others wonder if they’ll keep someone from getting into heaven. What’s often quoted is from the Old Testament:
"Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not tattoo yourselves. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:28
This is part of an old set of rules that was meant to help God’s people stand out from the surrounding nations. Back then, tattoos were often tied to pagan rituals. The focus here isn’t on tattoos themselves, but on avoiding these practices. But in the New Testament, where Jesus shares more about salvation, there's no mention of tattoos at all.
Salvation is about your heart, not your skin.
Ultimately, it’s not about your appearance. God cares most about what your heart looks like. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that "people judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Salvation isn’t based on how you look, but on whether or not you've trusted Jesus as your Savior. That’s what matters most.
2. Do you have to be baptized to go to Heaven?
Baptism is an important step for followers of Jesus. It shows the world that you’ve put your trust in Jesus and have chosen to follow him.
But here’s the thing: baptism isn’t the thing that saves you. Only trusting Jesus can. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us that "God saved you by his grace when you believed." That's it! Baptism is simply an outward expression of an inward change, not the cause of salvation.
What Jesus said about salvation
When Jesus talks about salvation, He points to himself as the way. In John 14:6, he said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the father except through me." So it’s through Jesus that we’re saved - not by any ritual, including baptism.
3. How do you go to Heaven?
The simple answer here: faith in Jesus. Salvation isn’t about doing enough good things or following a list of rules – it’s about trusting Jesus and accepting his gift of grace. John 3:16 puts it this way: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." It’s that simple!
Jesus made the way possible for us. When we put our faith in him, we receive the gift of eternal life.
You can trust Jesus today!
Salvation is a gift, not a paycheck. We don’t have to earn it - it’s given freely because of God’s mercy. Our part is just to receive it with open hands. Here’s how you can do that right now:
- Admit that you have sinned. "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." Romans 3:23
- Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8
- Choose the gift of forgiveness and new life. "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
If you’ve made the decision to trust Jesus today, let us know! We’d love to celebrate with you and give you some resources to help you get started on your faith journey.
4. Does everyone go to Heaven?
Sadly, not everyone will go to heaven. While salvation is available to everyone, it requires a response. We have to choose to follow Jesus. Anyone who does will spend eternity in Heaven!
God wants to see everyone saved
God wants all people to be saved. Like it says in 1 Timothy 2:4, God “wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” But with the gift of free will comes the ability to act on our own desires – and therefore reap the consequences of our choices. The decision is ours whether we choose to follow Jesus.
5. How many people will go to Heaven?
Jesus talks about the road to heaven being “narrow” in Matthew 7:13-14. He says that “the highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.”
This means that not everyone will choose it. The path is there for anyone to walk, but it requires a decision to follow Jesus.
The invitation is yours to accept!
There are many misconceptions about what it takes to go to heaven, but the truth is simple: eternal life only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Tattoos, baptism, or any other external factor doesn’t matter when it comes to Heaven. What matters most is your relationship with Jesus. It’s not about what you’ve done, but what he’s already done for you.
-----
If you’ve made the decision to trust Jesus, we could not be more excited for you! Here are some things you can do today to get started on your faith journey.
----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!