Many people self-describe as being 'spiritual', or believing in a 'higher being', and think that is enough. But is it enough to simply believe in God or Jesus to go to heaven?
While it is true that believing in God and Jesus as the son of God is a necessary step towards salvation, the Bible also makes clear belief in God alone is not enough to go to heaven:
James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
The apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, described himself a devout Jew (Galatians 1:13-14), 'zealous towards God' (Acts 22:3), before he became a Christian. He certainly believed in God, and on top of that was religious, yet it was not enough, as he was later told by the believer Ananias that he had to be baptised to wash away his sins:
Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
Hence while believing in God is an essential foundational step, it is not enough to be saved. The good news is that the Bible does gives us a clear set of instructions on what we need to do to go to heaven:
Hear the gospel of God’s gift of salvation to all mankind (Mark 16:15)
Believe Jesus is the son of God who died for us (John 3:16)
Repent of every sin (Acts 3:19)
Confess faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9)
Be baptised for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Stay faithful (2 Timothy 4:7-8)