The question of how one gets into heaven (i.e. paradise) has dominated discussion in philosophical and religious circles since the dawn of time. Over the years, a number of ideas have developed, some of them spawning entirely new religious systems with hundreds of thousands or even millions of devotees. The adherents of these divergent perspectives are each convinced of the truth of their chosen belief system. But given their contradictory positions, it’s impossible for each and every one of these ideas to be correct.

While any number of textual sources claim to know the exclusive means by which people can enter heaven, only the bible has the authority to make a credible claim. Why? Because the bible is the only text in the world peppered with hundreds upon hundreds of fulfilled prophecies. These prophecies span multiple centuries and are attributed to numerous authors of varying backgrounds, circumstances, and writing styles. And yet, they all share one thing in common – an uncanny knack for precisely foretelling future events. No other text in human history can make this claim.

One of these prophecies, recorded in the Book of Revelation, states that nothing unholy will ever enter heaven:

“Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty – but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Revelation 21:27 (NLT)

Given the bible’s track record, it’s safe to assume this is true. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter heaven, and only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will ever enter. If you die tomorrow, are you confident your name will be in the Lamb’s Book?

“Being Good”

The overwhelming majority of people believe they will be welcomed into heaven simply for “being good.” The prevailing view is that if a person lives “a good life,” then God would have to be unjust in order to prevent that person’s entrance into heaven. But several major flaws exist in this presumption. For instance, what constitutes a “good life”? And by what standard is a “good life” judged? Are we to be judged relative to others’ lives or some unwavering standard?

The bible says that the standard for leading a “good life” is 100% righteousness. If this is the case, then most people should be less than confident in their ability to meet this standard. In fact, the bible clearly states that no human can meet this impossible standard on his own:

“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” Isaiah 64:6 (NLT)

Despite personal attempts to convince ourselves that we are righteous, the reality of the matter is that every one of us has sinned:

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 (NLT)

And the bible is also clear that the penalty for our actions is nothing less than death, not eternal life in a heavenly realm:

“For the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23 (NLT)

Every human being is a sinner, and the sentence for our sin is eternal separation from God Almighty. By this measure, all of humanity is destined for hell.

How Then, Can Anyone Be Saved?

The bible says that a person can not enter heaven no matter how momentous or numerous their good deeds, no matter how righteous they are in their own eyes or the eyes of the world. Jesus’ disciples were shocked to learn this news:

“The disciples were astounded. ‘Then who in the world can be saved?’ they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.’ Then Peter began to speak up. ‘We’ve given up everything to follow you,’ he said. ‘Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.’” Mark 10:26-31 (NLT)

As Jesus states, with God anything is possible. A person can have eternal life if he gives up this worldly life for the sake of Jesus and the Good News of His coming. Jesus Himself provided us with the perfect example of sacrificing one’s own will in this world in support of God’s will for us:

“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” John 10:17-18 (NLT)

But what does this have to do with eternal life and entrance into heaven?

Mankind’s Redeemer

This is where the bible’s prophecies take on new meaning. Not only do they validate the divine authority of the bible itself, due to the statistically significant number of them fulfilled throughout human history, but they also point to a savior capable of lifting mankind from its pit of despair. One such prophecy was recorded by Isaiah over 600 years before its fulfillment:

“The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins.” Isaiah 59:20 (NLT)

If one who is blameless accepts the penalty and punishment for the sins of mankind, then it stands to reason that God will forgive us our debts and allow us to enter heaven. In fact, as we will soon see, this is exactly what happened.

Isaiah recorded a number of additional prophecies detailing the circumstances of mankind’s redemption by a single individual, a Savior from God:

“Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!” Isaiah 53:4 (NLT)

Isaiah prophesied the Redeemer would be weighed down with sorrow, because He would carry the burden of our sins.

“Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people.” Isaiah 53:8 (NLT)

Isaiah also prophesied the Redeemer would be unjustly condemned, murdered for the sinful rebellion of God’s people.

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)

The Redeemer is a man who will be pierced, crushed, beaten, and whipped in order to pay the penalty for mankind’s sinful rebellion. Amazingly, Isaiah recorded these prophecies more than 600 years before the Redeemer arrived in the flesh. He came as a light in Galilee, and He fulfilled His purpose as the Savior of all mankind, washing away the sin of all who believe in Him and making it possible for them to enter into God’s heavenly kingdom!

The Lamb of God

Each of the aforementioned prophecies reached fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus loved the human race so much, He laid down His own life as a sacrifice for ours. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explicitly says so:
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)

And Paul reiterated this truth in his letter to the Romans:

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 (NLT)

Blameless is the eyes of God, Christ shed His blood as payment for the sins of mankind. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness:

“In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22 (NLT)

As a result, the reconciliation of God and man is only possible by means of this blood payment of sins. No number of good deeds can cover up the slightest violation of God’s law, so those who rely on living a “good life” for entrance into heaven are basing their entire life on a false premise. The only way to purify ourselves and become righteous children in the presence of God is through the blood of Jesus Christ:

“For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” Colossians 1:19-22 (NLT)

Here, Paul decisively states that the blood of Christ makes us holy and blameless as we stand before God. As we learned earlier, nothing evil will be allowed to enter heaven. This includes all of mankind. However, a person can enter heaven if his name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The lamb is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, and all that’s required to inscribe your name in His Book is personal belief in Him:

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

Of all the knowledge in the world, none is more valuable or of greater importance than this.

Only One Path To Heaven

Innumerable starting points exist for those who will one day dwell in heaven, but in the end, there is only one path. The future citizens of heaven are the picture of diversity, coming from any number of backgrounds, religions, upbringings, races, “good and bad people,” and on and on. While the world may tell us that certain requirements must be met, or a specific path taken, in order to enter heaven, the bible reveals that only one path to heaven exists: the person of Jesus Christ.

Many paths can be taken, but all must converge on the blood of Jesus Christ before entering into heaven. Christ Himself affirmed this concept:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT)

If Christ is the only path to heaven, then how does a person get there? This same question was asked of Paul and Silas nearly 2,000 years ago:

“‘Then he brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.’” Acts 16:30-31 (NLT)

This is all that is required in order to receive salvation. However, the belief must be pure and from the heart. It can’t be a pretend belief merely acknowledged by the outside world. The Lord, who can read all hearts and minds, gives His gift freely, but in order to receive it, a person must be sincere.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NLT)

For those who are sincere, God promises the right to become the children of God:
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 (NLT)

And everyone who trusts in Him will not be disappointed:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NLT)

The great question of your life is very simple. Either you’re for Christ or you’re against Him. There is no in between and no gray area:

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.” 1 John 5:12 (NLT)

His Love Is Fulfilled Prophecy

Christ fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Savior when He chose to give His life to redeem a fallen mankind. Because of Christ, we can have life:

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)

In fulfilling this promise, Jesus issued another. One day, both the Father and the Son will dwell with those who love Him:

“All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.” John 14:23-24 (NLT)

Where will they dwell? They will make a home with us in heaven, and the only gate of entrance is the blood of Jesus Christ:

“But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.” Isaiah 53:10-12 (NLT)

The fulfillment of this prophecy introduced the world to the glory of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you’re searching for the truth of how a person gets into heaven, then you’ve found the answer. Jesus Christ is the way.

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32 (NLT)

Have you acknowledged Christ here on earth? If not, why don’t you do so today by inviting Him into your life? You’ll be amazed at what happens next.

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

In the near future, an event of enormous significance will transpire in Jerusalem, the effects of which will resound throughout the world and throughout eternity. A man will ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, go into the Holy of Holies within the rebuilt Jewish Temple, and proclaim himself to be God Almighty. In His Olivet Discourse, a response to His disciple’s questions concerning the end of the age, Jesus Christ warned His followers that this event, known as “the abomination of desolation,” will be the key event which will trigger the Great Tribulation:

“The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about – the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” Matthew 24:15 (NLT)

When this event occurs, it will dominate contemporary news headlines. Christ tells us it will also be a sign to the world that His Glorious Appearing is close at hand.

The abomination of desolation will mark the beginning of a time of unspeakable satanic violence and human anguish. In fact, Jesus told His disciples it will be a time of great tribulation such as the world has never seen, nor ever will see again. A cursory glance at Jewish historical events of the past century, which include the Holocaust, Stalin’s pogroms, and Muslim attempts to wipe out the Jewish state of Israel, vividly illustrate the depths of human depravity. Yet, our Lord informs us that these horrors will pale in comparison to those which are to come.

What is the Abomination of Desolation?

In order for people to recognize the abomination of desolation when it takes place, they must first know what it is. Some translations of the bible render this phrase the “abomination which causes desolation,” a more accurate depiction of the event. For this act of abomination, once committed, will literally cause the desolation of Israel.

Let’s examine the definitions of the key components in this satanic act of arrogance.

“Abomination” Defined

Webster’s dictionary defines the word “abomination” as a “loathsome or disgusting act.” This serves as an adequate biblical definition as well, for when the bible mentions something as an “abomination” it means “an act which is loathsome or disgusting in the eyes of God.” In most instances in which the word “abomination” is used in the bible, it is used to describe the sin of idolatry. Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that the abomination which is the abomination of desolation will be an idolatrous act which will defile the Holy Place.

If this is true, then what is “the Holy Place”?

“The Holy Place” Defined

The “Holy Place” of which Jesus spoke is the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Although some people have interpreted the “holy place” as any number of things – Israel, Jerusalem, the Jews, or the church – the full context of the scriptures makes it fully clear that Jesus is referring to the Jewish Temple.

In the Book of Acts, the Jewish Temple is referred to as the “Holy Place” (emphasis added):

“The seven days were almost ended when some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the Temple and roused a mob against him. They grabbed him, yelling, ‘Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who preaches against our people everywhere and tells everybody to disobey the Jewish laws. He speaks against the Temple – and even defiles this holy place by bringing in Gentiles.’ (For earlier that day they had seen him in the city with Trophimus, a Gentile from Ephesus, and they assumed Paul had taken him into the Temple.)” Acts 21:27-29 (NLT)

In addition, the prophet Daniel refers to the abomination of desolation in reference to the Jewish Temple:

“He will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. Then as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the end that has been decreed is poured out on this defiler.” Daniel 9:27 (NLT)

The fact that the abomination of desolation occurs along with putting “an end to the sacrifices and offerings” is further evidence that the Jewish Temple plays a pivotal role in this infamous event.

So why is the abomination one of “desolation”?

“Desolation” Defined

Webster’s dictionary defines “desolation” as “a barren, neglected state or area.” This is the perfect definition for understanding the meaning of our topic. For Jesus tells us that this act will cause the desolation of Israel:

“Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.” Matthew 24:16-22 (NLT)

Once the abomination of desolation takes place, it will soon be followed by unprecedented persecution of the Jewish people. This is difficult to believe, given our knowledge of the Holocaust. But according to Jesus, these will be the darkest days in Jewish history.

The Jews will face persecution at the hands of the Antichrist, an arrogant world dictator who will commit the abomination of desolation by proclaiming himself to be God.

Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Believe it or not, a similar abomination took place in history once before.

In 167 B.C., the Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes erected a statue of Zeus in the Holy of Holies and desecrated the sanctuary and its holy vessels. Several centuries prior to this, the prophet Daniel (in Daniel 11:21-35) prophesied the life and times of this sinister figure. Yet those same verses, in many ways, also apply to the Antichrist, whose life is detailed in Daniel 11:36-45.

Some people claim that Antiochus IV Epiphanes committed the abomination of desolation, thus fulfilling the prophecies of Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15. But this is simply not true. Although the Book of Daniel was written prior to 167 B.C., the Olivet Discourse took place almost two centuries later. Jesus was well aware of the abominable acts committed by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. After all, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is a celebration of the Temple’s liberation from the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Clearly, Jesus spoke of a future abomination:

“The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about – the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” Matthew 24:15 (NLT)

Although Antiochus IV Epiphanes came in the spirit and power of the Antichrist, the Antichrist himself will be the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecies in Daniel 11, Daniel 9:27, and Matthew 24:15. This is why Jesus referred to the desecration of the Temple as a still future event.

If we examine the signs of the times, we’ll find God is warning us that this future event will take place soon – in our generation.

The Antichrist and the Abomination of Desolation

The Book of Revelation provides us with further knowledge regarding the Antichrist and his monumental act of desecration:

“He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die.” Revelation 13:14-15 (NLT)

The Antichrist will fulfill this prophesy by standing in the Jewish Temple and proclaiming himself to be God. He will set up an image in the Holy Place and demand the world worship it.

Such a scenario is in full agreement with the apostle Paul’s description of the Antichrist and his character:

“He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)

The Antichrist will not just be an enemy of God Almighty, but of anything which distracts the human race from the worship of himself as the one true God. Needless to say, the Antichrist will be quite arrogant.

Unfortunately, much of the world will answer the call to worship him:

“And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made – the Book that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered.” Revelation 13:8 (NLT)

The Arrogance of the Antichrist:

The abomination of desolation is not only an act of rebellion against God Almighty, but a proclamation of inflated self-worth. Another being proclaiming himself to be God is the ultimate act of arrogance, and the bible reveals, the Antichrist will be the most arrogant individual in history:

“This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.” Daniel 7:8 (NLT)

“The king will do as he pleases, exalting himself and claiming to be greater than every god there is, even blaspheming the God of gods.” Daniel 11:36 (NLT)

“He will have no regard for the god of his ancestors, or for the god beloved of women, or for any other god, for he will boast that he is greater than them all. Instead of these, he will worship the god of fortresses – a god his ancestors never knew – and lavish on him gold, silver, precious stones, and costly gifts.” Daniel 11:37-38 (NLT)

The Antichrist will be so filled with self-love and hubris that he will launch a spiritual and physical rebellion against God Almighty. He will place himself above all others, attempting to overthrow the Lord of the universe and set his own throne high above God’s stars.

He Will Attack the Saints

As part of his campaign to create universal worship of himself, the Antichrist will set out to destroy those who are faithful to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

“And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and overcome them.” Revelation 13:7 (NLT)

“He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people. He will be a master of deception, defeating many by catching them off guard. Without warning he will destroy them. He will even take on the Prince of princes in battle, but he will be broken, though not by human power.” Daniel 8:24-25 (NLT)

The Antichrist will wield enormous power, and he will “devastate” the holy people of God. But he will meet his demise when he challenges the Prince of princes in battle – the Lord Jesus Christ.

When Will the Abomination of Desolation Occur?

The bible is clear that the abomination of desolation will occur at the mid-point of the Tribulation, a seven year period in Israel’s history set into motion by a covenant between Israel and the Antichrist:

“The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” Daniel 9:27 (NLT)

The Antichrist will sign a treaty with the state of Israel for a period of seven years. The details and nature of this treaty are yet unknown, but many have speculated that in a bid to secure peace with its neighbors, Israel will agree to rely on the Antichrist for its national security. God refers to this agreement as a “covenant with Sheol” (or hell), and God’s assessment will prove true when the Antichrist breaks this covenant after three and a half years. The abomination of desolation will serve as a public acknowledgment that he is breaking his treaty with Israel, and it will signal the beginning of the Great Tribulation, a time of unprecedented persecution of God’s people:

“And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days.” Revelation 12:6 (NLT)

The woman referenced in this passage is the nation of Israel, which gave birth to the Messiah. Because of the Antichrist’s persecution, the nation of Israel will be forced to flee into the wilderness, where God will supernaturally protect her. The Antichrist’s campaign of persecution against the Jews will last 1,260 days, which is 3.5 biblical years.

Conclusion

The implications of the abomination of desolation can not be overstated. Our generation has already witnessed the fulfillment and initial fulfillment of most of the bible’s end times prophecies. The Jews have been gathered from distant lands to resurrect the nation of Israel. The Jews are in possession of Jerusalem. The Gog and Magog alliance is forming. The European Union (the revived Roman Empire) is quickly becoming the world’s most powerful super state. All of these are signs of the times. Yet, in order for the abomination of desolation to occur, still another event must take place – the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple.

As of this writing, the secular world views the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple as a highly improbable event. Yet, God Himself has told us the Jewish Temple will exist in the last days. Therefore, when the Temple is rebuilt, it will serve as a sign to the entire world that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega.

Nearly the entire world – a billion Muslims, countless Anti-Semites, world leaders and diplomats, and even Israeli politicians frightened of war – speak with one voice when it comes to the idea of rebuilding the Jewish Temple. “It will never happen!” they say. But God has other plans. The Temple will be rebuilt, and soon thereafter, the world will tremble when a man of unprecedented power and frightening arrogance visits its inner sanctuary.

Knowing that everything the Lord has revealed to His prophets is destined for fulfillment, we should pray for the people of this world, while living our lives for the next and remaining alert to the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36 (NLT)