2 Timothy 2:19 tells us, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWETH THEM THAT ARE HIS. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” The Lord knows each one that is saved…everyone that has trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior.  While we may be able to act in such a way that others believe we are saved, the Lord knows our hearts and who has truly put his faith in the Lord Jesus. We read in 1 Samuel 16:7, “…the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but THE LORD LOOKETH ON THE HEART.”  While we may look for evidence of someone’s salvation, it is only the Lord who can truly look upon and know what is in our hearts.

What does it take for someone to be saved, and to know he is going to Heaven?  Let’s look at a few verses that tell us plainly how to be saved:

  • Acts 16:31, “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
  • Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
  • John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
  • John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

Oh, dear reader, these verses are crystal clear, aren’t they?  For one to be saved, they must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Believe that God sent His only begotten Son here to die on the cross and be raised again the third day to pay our sin debt and give us eternal life.  That is the ONLY WAY of salvation.  The Lord Jesus said in John 14:6, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.”  We must trust in this way of salvation.  There is no other way!

Do I have the right to tell someone if they are going to Heaven or Hell?  To some degree…YES.  If someone tells me they are going to Heaven because they are devoted church goers, or they tithe faithfully, or they follow the Ten Commandments, or they try to live a charitable life…I would have to tell this person they are NOT going to Heaven based upon these reasons.  There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation.  Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” 

Pay attention to these solemn words the Lord will say one day to those who tried to earn their salvation by their works.  “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23).  While the Lord knows them that are truly saved, He will say to these people, I NEVER KNEW YOU.  To depend upon your works to bring you salvation is to deny the sacrificial work of the Lord Jesus on the cross…and this WILL NOT save you.

If someone tells me they have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior, unless they absolutely prove otherwise by their words and actions, I assume they truly are saved and are going to Heaven one day.  I cannot see their hearts, and therefore I must accept their testimony and trust that it is true.  However, I could never be so bold and declare that someone is, without a doubt, saved and going to Heaven.  The Lord knows, and I will receive someone as a fellow believer based on their testimony of faith in Christ.  (CC)  (672.4)