The death of a loved one is hard. Pondering one’s own demise is hardly any easier from a natural perspective, so I have been a bit hesitant to raise this issue in so public a forum. Yet, I have heard it too many times, and today, my Bible reading raised this issue to the very forefront of my mind:
Often when someone dies, people mourn by saying, “At least, they are in a better place now.”
Are they?
Do all dogs go to heaven?
Or do dogs merely go into the earth, never to be remembered at the end of the age?
On a more significant level: do humans who refuse the glorious good news of Jesus Christ enter into peace on the last day?
OR was Isaiah right when he quoted God as saying, “There is no peace for the wicked.”
It certainly can assuage fears of the terrible termination of life at the least. At worst, such false assurances regarding those who are without Christ lulls the living into a false assurance that everything is gonna be alright … When in fact, it will not be alright for those who are not right with God.
There are some who like to talk about being witnesses but are not honest about the dread of falling into the wrathful hands of the Living God. Yes, the Lord is loving, but for those who refuse to acknowledge their need for him, only wrath is stored up.
Sadly, churches are drifting away from being honest about this aweful truth. People like to talk about the “fear of the Lord” as though it is just an exageration for respect for some large being. Kind of like you would feel in a giant redwood forest.
Friends, the fear of the Lord is real. Those who are not walking in faith with Jesus will face the terrors of eternity if they do not repent!
Have you consoled yourself with a generic, everybody goes to heaven, kind of conversation? Let me warn you: You are deceived.
Have you lied to yourself by saying, “I deserve heaven”? Wake up o sleeper and Christ will shine on you! God alone deserves heaven. For all other creatures it is His loving mercy which alone draws people into His presence.
Prepare your heart to enjoy God’s mercy: Don’t get drunk with wine. Don’t sleep around. Don’t get into agry fits with others. Forgive. Trust. Hope. Love.
Are you wealthy? Share what you have with others.
Are you healthy? Serve the sick.
Are you happy? Listen to the cries of the sorrowing.
Are you busy? Slow down and read the Bible and pray.
Seek God while He may be found. If you are reading this, there may yet be time for you to repent and be restored to the King of the Universe.
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