Everybody dies. Nobody is good enough to go to Heaven. However, Jesus made it possible for us all by swapping His goodness for our sinfulness and paying our sin debt on the cross.
What's a sin debt? Sin is something you do wrong. Every time you sin it is recorded as a debt you owe. Anyone with a sin debt when they die goes to hell. The problem is none of us can pay the debt.
The good news is God sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay our debts for us. Christians believe this good news and rely on it to go to heaven, anyone who does not believe goes to hell. It would be a shame to see you go to hell when you didn't have to.
Salvation does not depend on our sins or good deeds (Eph 2:8-9, Rom 4:5, Joh 6:29; Joh 3:14-15) but on what Jesus did for us, that's why He came (Joh 3:16-17, Joh 12:27; 1Tim 1:15; 1Cor 15:3-4; Mat 18:11).
Jesus was asked, what works must we do to obtain eternal life? Jesus answered, "This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent." (Joh 6:29) Believe what? God sent Him, Jesus, the Son of God, to die on the cross to pay for our sins, that He was buried and rose again (1Cor 15:3-4), and whosoever believes and relies on it is saved (Joh 3:16-17). You pass from eternal death to eternal life (Joh 5:24; Joh 3:36), you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Joh 14:17; 1Cor 6:19) and you become a Born Again Child of God (Joh 3:3-8; Rom 8:15-16; Gal 4:6), a Citizen of Heaven (Phi 3:20; Eph 2:19) and a Member of God's Church (Act 2:47; 1Cor 12:12-14).
God accepts us as we are, then begins to mold us into the image of Christ (2Co 3:18, Php 1:6). Although we will still sin this side of Heaven, being a Christian doesn't shield us from the natural consequences of sin or being disciplined by a loving Father (Heb 12:6-11).
Even though God knew all our sins before Creation (Tit 1:2; 1Pet 1:18-20; Rev 13:8) and Jesus died for them, God wants us to confess them because it's good for us, its like taking a spiritual shower that cleanses our spirit and our conscience. This side of Heaven you will sin no matter how hard you try not to, so, when you sin, confess it and receive forgiveness (1John 1:8-10). For those of you who think you can live without sinning, I ask, have you?
Three things I know for sure: 1) God wants us to rely solely on what Jesus did for our salvation. 2) God wants us to live good lives (Joh 10:10; 1Pe 1:15). 3) God wants us to tell others. To grasp the fullness of these comes from getting familiar with the bible (Rom 12:2), the most important book on the planet. It’s the only book God the Creator of the universe, the Giver of life, personally authored for you.
I recommend you read some Bible and talk to God every day. The book of John is a great place to start. Don't get in a hurry, relax, rest in Him. Day by day you will understand and do more in line with being a Child of God (Rom 12:2). I've been learning for decades and still have much to learn. That's okay; we're all on a journey down the river of life that flows from its pages. Some drift, some paddle, some powerboat, and sadly some never leave the dock.
When you start looking for a Church ask God to help. If they don't believe what the Bible says move on. Attend a variety and let the peace of God rule in your heart to umpire your decision (Col 3:15). A friend once said, "I don't wanna go to Church with all those hypocrites.” I replied, "Don't worry; we can make room for one more." The church is where imperfect brothers and sisters assemble to share their love and gratitude for and to their Creator, Savior, Lord, and Father God (Joh 4:23-24; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6).
Although baptism doesn’t save us, scripture tells Christians to get baptized, so, once you’ve picked a church ask them to baptize you.
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