GOSPEL TRUTH: What’s Your Question?
The one most people wanted answered…..
Walking through a shopping centre, it’s not unusual to see someone with a clipboard conducting a survey. Although the questioner may seem a nuisance when you’re in a hurry, opinion polls do have their uses in testing the political pulse of the nation at election time and in reflecting the views of society generally.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE ASKED……
In one survey a very interesting question was raised. “If you could ask God any question not answered in the Bible, what would it be?” To this question, 34% said they wanted to ask God what happens when we die.
If you are among the one in three wanting to find out, we have the answer! Actually, the Bible is not silent on the subject of death and does provide a clear answer to this important question.
THE REAL ANSWER
Each of us possesses more than just a body, for we also have a soul and a spirit. (1) The soul and spirit are invisible. At the moment of death both soul and spirit leave the body and go to one of two places. The person who dies believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is immediately with Him, which is “far better” than remaining here on earth. (2) The person who dies without having trusted in Jesus goes from this life to a place of torment called Hades, later to stand trial before God’s Judgment Throne. All who appear there, without exception, are condemned to the Lake of Fire for ever. (3)
ONE MAN KNOWS FOR SURE
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, lived on earth, died and returned to life three days later. He taught that after death we are conscious – either in a place of bliss or in one of torment. His very important words are found in Luke 16:19-31. Our destiny after death is determined in this life. After death it is too late to change. The Bible teaches nothing about purgatory and gives us no encouragement whatsoever to pray for the dead. We must each prepare for life after death now. Heaven and Hell are both real – but do you know where you are going?
HOW MUCH IT COSTS
God is holy and must punish sin. All of us have sinned and do not deserve to enter Heaven. (4) But God is also love and does not want us to go to Hell. He is “not willing that any should perish” and loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place. (5) Very simply, Jesus suffered on the cross to save us from Hell. God offers freely to forgive our sins – if only we will ask Him. However, if we will not accept His offer, then we will be punished for our own sins – in Hell.
THE GOOD, THE BAD…..
It is not true that the good people go to Heaven and the bad people go to Hell. Sinners will be found in both places – but in Heaven they will be forgiven sinners. If you want to be sure of going to Heaven, this is what you must do:-
(1)Admit to God that you are a sinner, deserving His judgment.
(2)Believe that Jesus died on the cross in your place.
(3)Confess your sins to God, telling Him that you are truly sorry.
(4)Ask the risen Lord Jesus to enter and control your life.
God always keeps His promises. If we confess our sins to Him, then He will forgive us completely and cleanse our lives. (6) The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross can make us fit to enter Heaven; there is no other way. To delay can be dangerous. The Bible invites us to come to Jesus Christ now. (7)
END NOTES:- (1)1 Thess.5:23. (2)Phil.1:23. (3)Heb.9:27; Rev.20:11-15. (4)Rom.3:23. (5)2 Pet.3:9; John 3:16. (6)1 Jn.1:9. (7)2 Cor.6:2.