ETERNITY

Quite often when people die, you hear their loved ones say, “he or she is in a better place.” This is a comforting thought, and I am sure everybody would like to think that about their deceased loved one. But before we go any further, we need to ask ourselves, “Where is this

better place, and how do people get there?”

            The Bible, the Word of God, talks about eternity being either in heaven or in hell. There are no neutral places, so when people talk about a better place they most likely are referring to heaven, since hell is not a good place. Heaven, however, is not an automatic destination for the deceased. When people die, their living loved ones can comfort themselves any way they want, but that does not guarantee their loved ones are in heaven. The biblical

truth is this: only those who believe on the name of Jesus will go to heaven (see Romans 3:22); only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (see Revelation 21:27).

People who do not believe on the name of Jesus Christ before they die cannot be wished or prayed into heaven by loved ones, not even by the church.

Eligibility into heaven is not based on gender, age or social or political standing. It is also not based on good works or anything else people do. It is based solely on the sacrifice Christ made on the cross (see Ephesians 2:5), making Himself the bridge between God and man. Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for sin, making Him the only way for sinners to come to God by faith in Jesus (see John 14:6).

This is your opportunity. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins now; He will forgive you, and take away the guilt of your sins. He will also fill you with His Spirit as the deposit that guarantees your future with Him (see 2 Corinthians 1:22), and give you peace and the assurance of your salvation. He will also write your name in His book of life. Don’t count on your loved ones or your priests to wish or pray you into heaven after your death. It just does not work that way.

If you refuse Christ’s offer for salvation, you have automatically and personally decided to go to hell after you die. Remember, if you die without making this decision, you’ve missed the opportunity to go to heaven for good! So while you are alive, I implore you to make the decision that guarantees you will spend eternity in heaven. Your loved ones can then say confidently, without doubt, at your passing, “He (She) is in a better place.” Please make this decision soon: hopefully today!