We live in a society of mixed cultures, races, beliefs, and religions. We are constantly exploring life and the meaning of it. Whether you have a set of beliefs, are still unsure, or think you have it all handled take a second and hear me out on the Truth of life, religion, morals, and the afterlife.
This truth I’m talking about does not pertain to one kind of person. It does not judge based on gender. It does not discriminate based on race. Simply put, it is for everyone.
I don’t mean that it accepts every kind of belief. It is not a Universalist type of view. It has guidelines. It has rules. It has values. It has rights and wrongs. But above all it is a person who loves you.
Wondering about what happens after death is common. Many people fear dying because they do not know what will happen to them after death. Is heaven a real place? Does everyone go there? Could it be possible that I am considered a bad person and will go to hell? What are these places like or will I just cease to exist? These are all important and, honestly, scary questions. I hope to answer some of these questions and debunk the lies and myths spinning around in our culture.
First of all, yes, heaven is a place and hell is a place. I do not know based on having gone to these places. I know because the Bible speaks of both of these places and makes it clear that everyone will go to one place or the other. The beginning of the Bible speaks much of heaven in the time of creation, while hell is also mentioned later and much detail is given in Revelation.
Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
What are each of these places like? Many people use phrases like, “heaven on Earth” and “I hope they have this in heaven.” In all reality, heaven is glorious. The Bible talks about streets of gold, and angels, creatures who are constantly singing praises to God, and someday those who have chosen to be there will praise Him as well. People will not hunger and they will not get sick. Heaven is a perfect place.
The thing is not everyone will go to heaven. Some people are already there and some people are suffering in hell. It is a very sad truth, but it is one we must face. You do not get to heaven based on being a good person. You do not get to heaven based on your good out weighing your bad. You do not get to heaven just by being born. There is only ONE way.
The Truth is a person and His name is Jesus.
You get to heaven only by placing your faith and trust in Jesus and understanding that He died for you on a cross and rose again 3 days later. He now lives in heaven and can live in you if you simply admit that you cannot do it on your own. This is the ONLY way.
Any other route will not get you there. Ignoring the Truth will not get you there. Putting it off until you're older will not get you there. Choosing no religion at all will not get you there. Choosing to accept the lies of our culture will not get you there.
Knowing that God is real is not enough. You must enter in to a relationship with His Son Jesus, and I urge you to do just that, if you have not already.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes”