According to the new Pew Research data, 77% of Ohioans believe in Heaven. This is good news for biblical Christians. We just need to ask friends and strangers, “On what basis will God let you into Heaven?”
77% is a BIG number. By comparison, only 51% of Ohioans identify as Ohio State fans. And only 59% of Ohioans have a positive view of LeBron James according to a June 2015 Public Policy Poll. Ohio State and LeBron James may have had good years recently but Ohioans are counting on heaven.
Because 77% of Ohioans believe in Heaven, you can share Christ confidently. Here’s why… you read your bible. You know what Jesus of Nazareth taught:
1. Most people are not going to Heaven. Matthew 7:13-14
2. Many Christians in name only are not getting in. Jesus Christ will say to them, “I never knew you.” Matthew 7:21-23
3. Only true believers go to Heaven. They trust in Christ’s alone for their salvation. They know they are saved by faith not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). They follow Jesus and His teachings. They repent and believe. They die to self and transform their lives. They are born again (John 3:3).
Since you believe in Heaven … and 77% of Ohioans believe in Heaven, you can ask this revealing question:
“On what basis will God let you into Heaven?”
Most people will say they are a “good person.” Some will say that they have not done anything “really bad.” Whatever they say, you have identified their justification before a Holy God.
Unless the person mentions Christ’s finished work on the cross, their justification is not biblical. You can give them the “Good Person” Test. It is based on the 10 Commandments and it will expose their sinfulness before God. It opens the door for you to share the good news of the Gospel.
Summary:
77% of Ohioans believe in Heaven.
You can open an evangelism encounter by asking:
“On what basis will God let you into Heaven?”
If you enjoyed this post, here are Evangelize Cincinnati’s Top Three Evangelism Questions.