What Does the Bible Say About Getting Into Heaven?

The Bible addresses getting into heaven across both Old and New Testaments. These verses are organized by biblical era — from the patriarchs to the apostles — letting Scripture speak for itself.

34 verses·6 eras·16 promises

Divided Kingdom (~930 BC)

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Isaiah 65:17· YahwehPromise
He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2:4· IsaiahPromise

Life of Jesus (~30 AD)

He said to them, "When you pray, say, 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven.
Luke 11:2· JesusPrayer
Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
John 12:24· JesusPromise
He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
Luke 23:42· repentant_criminalPrayer
Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Having said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:46· JesusPrayer
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
Luke 21:33· JesusPromise
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Mark 13:31· JesusPromise
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Matthew 24:35· JesusPromise
Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Matthew 19:21· JesusPromise
That which enters into the mouth doesn't defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."
Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Matthew 6:9· JesusPrayer
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds."
Matthew 18:35· JesusPromise
When Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me."
Luke 18:22· LukePromise
"Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
John 5:24· JesusPromise
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:3· JesusPromise
He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.
John 17:23· JesusPrayer
In my Father's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2· JesusPromise
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.
John 12:46· JesusPromise

Early Church (~50 AD)

There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Acts 4:12· PeterPromise
"I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more."
Hebrews 10:17· GodPromise
and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
Acts 7:56· Stephen

Apostolic Era (~50 AD)

and he will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more.
Micah 4:3· MicahPromise
Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'

patriarchs

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1· Narrator

United Kingdom (~1000 BC)

My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.
Psalms 121:2· DavidPrayer
Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.
Psalms 31:5· DavidPrayer
Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, who has set your glory above the heavens!
Psalms 8:1· DavidPrayer
The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.
You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. A Prayer by David.

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