The Heaven Answer Book

the church and called it “my church” (Matthew 16:18), made up of those who belong to Christ. He is the Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6) and the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). He calls it a spiritual house, a house of prayer, and His body (1 Corinthians 12:27). Its commission is to “go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15 nkjv ). We will be welcomed into Heaven because of our position in Christ, not because of our church or Sunday school credentials. The Bible says, “You have come . . . to the city of the living God . . . to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God. . . . See that you do not refuse Him” (Hebrews 12:22–23, 25 nkjv ). Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom of Heaven to the church and sent the Holy Spirit to indwell it (Matthew 16:19). Christ’s followers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26) and the church was known as “The Way” (Acts 9:2). No better name describes how to be part of it: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

62

THE HEAVEN ANSWER BOOK