“What happens when I die–Where will I spend eternity?” Do you know the answer to these important questions without any doubt?
I remember being asked this by a friend and my answer was, “I think I’ll go to heaven. At least I hope so . . .”
The longer I’ve lived, the more I have encountered friends and family that have passed away and it makes me look at my own life and ponder what happens when life ends.
It’s not something that many are comfortable thinking about—at least not for very long. And certainly not something that gets discussed over the average dinner table gathering. Can you imagine it? “Hey there, what’s going to happen to you when you die?”
However, those thoughts hopefully lead us to a positive conclusion that will be life changing. Life changing for all eternity.
Please take a few minutes to read to the bottom. Your life is very important and where you spend it can only be decided while you’re still alive on this earth.
Table of Contents
This is the Gospel. Let’s start at the Beginning
I’m going to use the “Bridge to Life” illustration from Navigators because this is what made so much sense to me. You can find their post about it here.
The Truth About God
First off, God is the Creator of all things—including you. And He loves loves loves you! You were created by Him because He wanted a relationship with you. He wanted to enjoy you and have you enjoy the fullest and most beautiful life with Him!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
In place of “the world,” put your name in there. For God so loved __________, that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus). . .
HE LOVES YOU! And He wants to give you eternal life. Life that is beautiful and lovely and it goes on and on and on forever and ever. He wants you to have that kind of life with Him.
We have a problem
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
What kind of life does Jesus want us to have? What does He provide? Abundant life. Life in all its fullness (purpose, meaning, joy, peace, love, etc.)
Why doesn’t everyone have this kind of life? There’s a problem that we can’t solve or repair on our own. We need divine help.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
What is sin? Anything you have done that misses God’s mark of holiness or anything that you should have done that you failed to do. What is the result of our sin? We are separated from God and cannot have that beautiful abundant life that He wants to give us.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The “wages of sin,” what does that mean? It means that the wage we earn for our actions is death. Physical (when our body dies) and spiritual (when our soul departs our body)
I know that sounds harsh. But God has provided a way to fix our sin problem and it’s very simple.
So, unless we somehow pay the price for our actions, we are eternally separated from God.
Hebrews 9:27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Dying is inevitable. That’s one thing we all have in common. And after we die, we face judgment for our actions. Again, I know this is serious business and maybe you’re squirming or ready to click away, but please hang on and keep reading because I promise you there is good news!
Remember John 3:16—God LOVES YOU. He knows you need help and has provided exactly what you need. And you know the best part? It’s totally FREE!!! Who doesn’t love and appreciate that?!
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Can we ever do enough good works to repair our sin problem? No. We can only be saved from paying the penalty or wages for our sin by God’s grace alone.
What does “grace” mean? Grace is unmerited favor. God wants to show us favor, to do what is best for us. God doesn’t just decide to show grace here and there when He feels like it. He is always gracious because that is who He is. And because He is gracious, He shows favor to us in whatever He does.
Again, why? Because He is gracious and He loves you so much and wants you near.
God’s perfect solution just for you
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
That’s right. You don’t have to earn His love by doing good things to repair the damaged relationship. That’s not even possible. “While you were still sinners,” Christ died for you to pay the penalty for your sin.
I like The Living Bible translation of this verse: (The Living Bible copyright 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation.)
1Peter 3:18 Christ also suffered. He died once for the sins of all us guilty sinners although he himself was innocent of any sin at any time, that he might bring us safely home to God. But though his body died, his spirit lived on,
We can be with God now and forever in heaven because Jesus conquered both our sin and death by dying on the cross and rising again from the grave.
How do I respond?
John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— All they needed to do was to trust him to save them.
We need to respond and accept His offer. Just thinking about it or saying “I’m not ready,” is also a response— “No.”
All you need to do is talk to God and in that conversation let Him know that you’re sorry for your sins and that you believe that Jesus died for you and paid the penalty in your place. And that you want the gift of salvation, of new life in His Name.
- Admit that you are a sinner.
- Believe that Jesus died for you
- Commit your life to following Jesus. Trust Him and surrender to the One who loves you beyond measure.
- Talk to Him—He’s right there with you
God is near, so speak to Him like He is right there next to you, because He is. Use your own heartfelt words. He hears you and knows you are sincere and will forgive you and redeem you.
What does it mean to be redeemed? Miriam Webster has an understandable definition:
- a: to free from captivity by payment of ransom
- b: to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental
- c: to release from blame or debt: CLEAR
- d: to free from the consequences of sin
He’s knocking at the door of your heart
Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Oh, my goodness this is so exciting!! He’s just waiting for you to open the door of your heart and let Him in. Will you do that? I want you to have abundant life. Beautiful life that goes on forever and ever. Don’t put this on the back burner. It’s just too important—and WONDERFUL!
Now what?
Your new journey of faith has just begun and you will want to be among friends that will support you and encourage you.
Share this wonderful news with someone who will understand. A Christian friend, pastor, relative? Perhaps someone that you know has been praying for you. I would be honored to pray for you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at sally@inspiredandrefreshed.com
Numbers 6:24-26 ‘May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.’
Want to take the next steps to study the Bible in an easy and understandable way? I’ve written a post on Bible Study Tips For Busy People. It’s especially helpful to give you ideas on how to incorporate God’s Word into your every day life.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011
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