I have several questions on Christianity as presented by Jesus himself, and the Apostles.
- What did Jesus say was the qualification to enter heaven?
- What qualifies one to be a Christian?
I have sought the teachings of Jesus and they say this.
Luke:18:18: And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Luke:18:22: Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Another passage on Jesus’ teaching.
John: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.
John:3:14: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John:3:15: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
The passages are many, but I’ll limit myself to these 2 because of space.
Am amazed by how simply the thief on the cross, a bad man who was condemned, was ushered into paradise. Not even baptized, not even eaten the Eucharist, not a church member, not a saint, no sacraments etc. He only believed in Jesus.
Zachaeus the short rich man was visited by Jesus and his life changed.
The Samaritan woman at the well with Jesus realized the time of God’s visitation. She believed in Jesus and her life was changed.
Jesus way of qualifying to enter heaven is very different compared to the man-made qualifications. To be a member of any denomination does not qualify anybody to enter heaven. But to be in a church setting is important for edifying and encouraging one another.
Believe in Jesus is the ultimate qualification, followed by a righteous living.
The revelation of who Christ is makes a big difference.