Adrian Rogers said, “You have to be Heaven-born to be Heaven-bound.” Many people think they are heaven-bound by good works or by good intentions. Someone said, “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul presents three things about those who are really Heaven-bound.

First, there is an admission of undeniable guilt before God. Ephesians 2:1-3 reads, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Romans 3:19 reads, “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” How do you plead, guilty or not guilty?

Second, there is an acceptance of unmerited grace from God. Ephesians 2:4-9 reads, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Adrian Rogers explains, “Salvation is not a reward for the righteous; salvation is a gift for the guilty.” This is an offer you can refuse. John 1:11-12 reads, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” What about you?

Third, there is an aspiration of unlimited glory for God. Ephesians 2:10 reads, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 reads, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Romans 11:36 reads, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

Are you really Heaven-bound?

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.