If You Were To Die Today, Where Would You Spend Eternity?

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Written by Jimmie Burroughs –  e-Mail this article to a friend

This question appeared on the first page of Google, and some fellow was saying that he saw it on a large road sign on the side of I-86 in North Carolina, and he ended his statement with the LOL symbol (Laugh Out Loud). He posted it to see what answers he would get from Yahoo. I read the answers given by different people and out of 25, only five provided the right answer. It is amazing how few really understand something as important as their eternal destiny.

On Yahoo’s best answer, 85% voted this as the best answer – Chosen by Voters: “Same place that I have always been.” That is the best answer to this profound question “If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?” Does anyone ever stay where they have always been in any sense of the word? Life is ever changing, and no one remains in the same place. The question is people die and then what happens?

Here are some other answers that were given:

“It doesn’t seem fair or right for me that, in 80 years, we are to be judged and sentenced to an eternity of hell or sublime rejoicing. It does not even seem fair. It’s honestly despicable, but that is just me.”

“I know that I have sinned in the past and that I haven’t been perfect, but who is. The only good thing about my life and the true reason why I should be in heaven is because I always had faith and was true to my word. I am only being who you made me to be god. You did not make me perfect or anyone else, why punish me for someone you did not make me to be. I need to be in heaven with my savior; you are my savior.”

“After you die dear, you don’t go anywhere. Life is over, and that is it. Your fairy tale is pleasant though. I do prefer to fly to Treasure Island with Peter Pan, if that’s OK with you of course.”

If we stopped folks on the street and asked, them the same question, “If you were to die today where you would spend eternity?” We would have many different answers and many would think that they were all right and need to do nothing. What we think does not really matter. The truth is what matters. So what does the Bible tell us about what happens after life on earth is finished? It tells us that people will either go to Heaven or Hell, and it is up to each to decide which. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. It also says, “For the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.

It is hard to believe that anyone would deny that they have sinned. However, many would question why that they would be cast into hell because of their sin. The same ones would expect someone who breaks the law, whether it was breaking speed laws or taking someone’s life, to be arrested and required to pay the penalty. When we sin, we have broken God’s law and the penalty is death, not just physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God. The Bible calls that place of separation hell.

Being separated from God in this life may not seem to be so bad to most since they have all their things as well as family and friends. However, after death it takes on an entirely new meaning. It means to be entirely alone, separated from God’s love, joy, peace, friends and loved ones and everything for all eternity without end. Whatever else hell may be, the thought of being entirely alone in darkness forever is beyond comprehension.

 It does not have to be that way, for the same verse that says, “The wages of sin is death” also says “…but the gift of God is eternal life,” Romans 6:23.

Forgiveness and eternal life is as simple as A, B, C:

Admit you are a sinner: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Believe in Jesus as your savior: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten so that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Confess Jesus as your savior: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thy shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”(Romans10:9-13)

It is clear from those scriptures that the only way you can be sure of going to heaven is by trusting in Jesus Christ. To trust in Jesus includes a willingness to repent or turn from a life of sin and to follow Jesus in a new lifestyle. Once we come to terms with that in our heart all that remains is to confess that with our mouth according to the scripture. You can do that by telling the Lord in prayer what the intentions of your heart are.

Here is a sample of what you may say, “Lord Jesus I Know I’ve sinned; I turn from my sins and turn to you for forgiveness. I believe that you died for me and rose from the grave, and I want to follow you for the rest of my life. Thank you for saving me.”

If you have believed in your heart the gospel of Christ, that he died for your sins and rose from the grave, and you have repented of your sins, according to his word he has saved you.

If you have made that decision today, please go here and receive some free important follow up information.

About the author: Jimmie Burroughs is a motivational speaker and author who has been involved in teaching Christian Personal Development for more than 30 years. There are hundreds of articles to help you on this website (Website Contents) in your personal growth.

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