ACCESSING THE GATES OF HEAVEN

ACCESSING THE GATES OF HEAVEN

God does not prevent anyone from getting to the gates of heaven. Satan does.

Of the three gates to heaven, Satan is in charge of the first. Unless one crosses the first gate one cannot approach the second gate. Before anyone leaves the earth Satan has the right to scrutinize him or her for his property. Even the Lord Jesus Christ was not spared this scrutiny: “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.” (John 14:30 NKJV)

To be able to leave this earth and begin to ascend into heaven is by grace, not by works. Accessing the second gate, which is rapture, is by grace and works. Rapture is the only means of entering heaven in a glorified state in this dispensation of the Church. All those who enter through this gate cannot lose their salvation even if all their works are burnt out by fire.

1 Cor 3:

12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.   (NKJV)

The third gate, which has to do with the prize won at the Judgment Seat of Christ, is entered into by works alone. It determines hierarchy in the eternal states. Heaven has hierarchy.

I think that is what the Bible means when it says to those who are saved by grace to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”  (Philippians 2:12 NKJV)