Who Is Going to Heaven?

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Imagine that you are a Jewish government official. You have memorized the Old Testament, have kept the law meticulously, and are highly respected in the community. However, despite your best efforts, you still feel something is desperately missing. A man emerges in the community who speaks with authority, forgives sins, heals the sick, raises the dead, and touches the leper. You begin to think that, surely, He must have the answer.

As a prominent member of society in Jesus’ time, this is likely how Nicodemus felt. Intrigued by Jesus, yet fearful of ruining his reputation, he approached Him under cover of darkness. He could see that Jesus was encountering the Kingdom of God in a way he was not. “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2).

The false belief that our works will earn us eternity is not new. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that, in order to enter the Kingdom of God, one had to be reborn. “How can someone be born when they are old?” (John 3:4). Jesus went on to say that, to be reborn, one must believe in Him.

Jesus means that you stake your life on Him—your life now and forever. Humanity has an inescapable DNA of sin that cannot be corrected by moral human behavior, no matter how well-intentioned. To Nicodemus, Jesus’ message became clear: God has to do something in you. It is not what you do for God—it is what He does in you. Dead ritual cannot save you—only God can bring you to life.

The Truth of Jesus impacted Nicodemus deeply. Initially he was ashamed to talk to Jesus, but in the end, he publicly showed his love for Christ. Upon Jesus’ death, he brought 75 pounds of spices for His burial, a gesture of immense honor (see John 19:39). Being face to face with Jesus changed him.

God longs to produce spiritual rebirth in us; He knows it is the only way we can truly live. For those trying to work their way into the Kingdom, Jesus says, “Stop trying. Let Me save you. Let Me change you and fill you up.” For those who believe their own morality is enough, Jesus says, “Your efforts will never be enough, but I am enough. I know you are thirsty; come to Me.” Only when we look to Jesus are we transformed.

Prayer: Father, thank You for bringing me new life. I put my faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross to save me, and I choose to turn from my sin. Fill me with Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Encountering Christ, Part 2: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
View All


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