Four Things You Can't Go To Heaven Without

From the Book of Hebrews

Introduction:

There are many things in life that we have that we can do without. This is true both physically and spiritually.

Spiritually, we can go to Heaven without the ordinances, and Church Membership, and a degree in theology.

On the other hand, there are some things that we cannot go to Heaven without.

We want to look at 4 of these this morning that are found in the book of Hebrews.

1. We Cannot Go to Heaven Without The Blood of Christ

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Remission: To forgive or pardon. Also, cancellation or release from a debt.

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Atonement- O.T. meant a covering. Thus the blood hid their sins from the eyes of God.

In the N.T. atonement means reconciliation between God and sinful man through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.

Thus, without the shedding of blood, there is no covering for sin, and no reconciliation of our souls to God.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Justified- means just as if we've never sinned!

Saved from wrath- means, of course, to be saved from the penalty of sin, which eternal damnation in the lake of fire.

Thus, without the shedding of blood there is no justification and no salvation from God's wrath.

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Redemption- means to buy back; so as to purchase from the slave market of sin.

Forgiveness- means to pardon, absolve, release, clear, and free from the debt of sin.

Therefore, without the shedding of blood, there is no redemption and no forgiveness.

Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

So, without the shedding of blood there is no sanctification.

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Washed- means to be cleansed spiritually from the actual taint of sin upon the soul.

Without the shedding of blood, the taint and filth of sin cannot be removed from the soul.

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

These are glorified saints in Heaven praising Jesus for shedding His blood, so that they could be in Heaven. In other words, without the shedding of blood there would be no glorification, and no one would go to Heaven because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Heaven.

2. Secondly, we cannot go to Heaven without Faith

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

To please:

Means to satisfy God- There is NO satisfying God without faith in the blood.

To be accepted of Him- There is no acceptance with God without faith in the blood.

To be commended by the Lord- without faith in the blood sinners will only hear the Lord say

depart from me, I never knew in the pardon and remission of your sins.

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

We said already that we are justified by the blood, now we read that we are justified by faith. In other words, we are justified by the blood, but faith is the vehicle by which we partake of benefits of Jesus' blood. The blood is made effectual to the sinner when received by faith.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Righteousness: Means to have a right standing with God. Through faith in the work of Christ on the cross of Calvary we receive His righteousness, and His perfect standing with the Father.

Therefore, without faith we cannot have true righteousness.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Peace with God: Means no more enmity or hostility between God and the sinner. By faith we are no more enemies of God, but friends. Therefore we are no longer subject to the wrath of God.

Therefore, without faith there is no peace with God.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Very important- we receive faith by hearing the word of God. Perhaps the Lord will give saving faith to someone who hears this message this morning.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Saved: Means to be delivered. Delivered from sin (penalty, power, love of, presence of), from Satan, from the world, and above all, from God's eternal wrath!

3. Thirdly, we cannot go to Heaven without chastisement

Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Bastards: means illegitimate children; or not true born again children of God.

(Read Verses 5-7) Therefore, to be without the Lord's correction, is to still be lost.

(Read Verses 9-11) God chastens us "that we might be partakers of His holiness", which leads us to our last point.

4. Fourthly, we cannot go to Heaven without holiness

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Meaning of Holiness-

Sanctification: Set apart unto the Lord; Inward in the heart and mind, and outward in the life.

Consecration: Devotedness to the Lord's service

Purification: Inward purity of the heart and soul; outward purity of the life.

Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Thus, we are to have holiness by a consecrated life of service to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

We are to perfect holiness in the fear of God by proper moral conduct in the flesh, and inwardly by godly thoughts and a spiritual disposition. This is what progressive sanctification is all about.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

We are called unto holiness. We won't see the Lord without it. I have no confidence in professing Christians who do not pursue holiness in their lives. They are more than likely deceived, and still in their sins.

Conclusions:

Has the blood of Christ made atonement for your sins?

You can't go to heaven without the shedding of blood.

Have you by faith believed that Jesus shed His blood for your sins?

You can't go to heaven without faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood.

Do you know the chastisement of Lord in your life?

If not, you are not His child- take time to examine your life.

Are you pursuing after holiness, both outwardly in your life, and inwardly in your thoughts and spiritual disposition of heart, soul, mind and spirit?

If your life is not characterized by holiness, then examine whether you be in the faith.

If you are not saved, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart, and receive the gift of eternal life.