Dona and Jerry Locklair traveled to the Holy Land in 1997 with the intent to capture their on-site experiences in art.  Using the Holy Bible as their guide, they are making their paintings as biblically accurate as possible.  The oil painting of "The Baptism of Jesus" was actually painted by using models posing in the River Jordan.  The location of the baptism is near the Dead Sea, where John the Baptist preached in the wilderness.  The Judean Hills are visible in the background.  (Matt. 3:13, 16 and 17)

In your personal opinion, what does it take for a person to go to Heaven?

     God's Word (the Bible) tells us in Isaiah 53:6, that "All of us, like sheep, have strayed away from God's way and have gone our own self-centered way." (Paraphrase)
     We have all done what we want rather than what God wants for us.  All transgression, whether by man’s standards, it is great or small is still rebellion against God. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).   
     None of us can measure up to God’s standards of goodness.  “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (I John:8).
      So how can an imperfect person be allowed into God’s perfect Heaven?  This question can be answered with one word -------- FAITH.   We are justified by our faith in Jesus Christ.
     God sent a part of Himself, His only Son Jesus Christ to this world to live a perfect sinless life and to die on a cross to pay for all our iniquities.  Then on the third day God raised Him from the grave.  Because of His death and resurrection, those who repent and ask for His forgiveness and by faith accept His free gift of salvation will also be resurrected to eternal life in Heaven.
     “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”      (St. John 3:16).    “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).   “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” (Ephesians 2:8,9).   There is nothing we can do to earn our way to Heaven.  It is a free gift to us from God.  But it was paid at a great price by Jesus Christ.

Prayer to Accept Christ.

Dear God,

I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the grave on the third day.  I am sorry for my sins and I ask you to forgive me as I do forgive those who tresspass against me.  I thank Jesus for suffering and dying for me.  I now accept him as my Saviour and Lord of my life.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen