Is it true that a person can go to church and believe in God and still not go to Heaven?

on Feb 23, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Is it true that a person can go to church and believe in God and still not go to Heaven? This is concerning to me, yet I know many people from around the world that say they believe in God and go to church (or in some cases a mosque or temple). – C.G.

A: Many people from around the world claim that they believe in Jesus, the church, and even the Bible. But that isn’t enough to be accepted as a follower of Christ, for “even the demons believe — and tremble” (James 2:19, NKJV). We must confess and repent of our sins and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12, NKJV).

To illustrate, a person can go to the airport with the intention of making a trip to a certain destination. He makes a flight reservation, purchases the ticket, and gets in line at the gate. There are three calls for boarding, but he fails to enter through the gate and walk the ramp to the plane’s cabin. He has not committed himself by getting on board.

A person may believe in God, the Bible, and the church but not surrender to Christ. This kind of belief does not involve complete commitment and obedience to Him. The moment we receive Him, we are born again and belong wholly to Christ. The Holy Spirit comes on board in our souls and God’s nature begins to transform us into His obedient children. We are to pray that His Word will put our hearts and minds on Him, thereby granting peace of mind that comes only from God in Heaven.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)