Life is full of uncertainties, and the only thing that is certain is death. According to statistics, 10 out of 10 people dies, that means all of us will die and there’s no use evading the topic because it is better to be prepared when our time comes than to be caught off guard. “…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” Hebrews 9:27
Most, if not all are uncomfortable as far as death is concerned, for the reason that we don’t know what happens after we die. Time and again, people are plagued with this issue. As a result the certainty of it led them into confusion and denial, thus the place called purgatory was weaved. This purgatory tale started during the middle ages, according to the story Jesus’ death is not enough for us to go to heaven. Because of our sins we still need to earn our salvation. In the hour of our death, our relatives need to pray for us in order to purge our souls. And in doing so, these people shall pay the church. The truth is, there’s no where in the bible that says something about that place. It’s just heaven and hell, period, and the minute we die our destination is final.
So, what really happens after we die? The bible tells us that when we die, first, the soul and the body separate. Our body will rot, and our soul will proceed immediately into God’s presence for some , or to the place of eternal despair for others. And then, there will be a great divide between the righteous and the wicked. “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” Malachi 3:18 Whatever we do here on Earth has a great impact on where we will spend our eternity, it’s not a cliché, nor is it a product of our parents imagination to scare us. Heaven and hell are real. God is the source of life, joy & happiness, and hell is the absence of all that. It’s pretty scary, but those who believe in God need not be anxious about death because those who trusted Christ go immediately to God’s presence. “ We are confident. I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
Insurance companies are present around the globe, to give people the assurance they need in times of accident, illness, and in death. We forgot Jesus, who cares for us from cradle to grave. He is the best insurance we could have, and the best part is that, it won’t cost us a penny, we just have to believe. His offer of salvation is perfect, no hidden charges; the bonus plan of eternal happiness is superb, it’s zero interest. If it sound too good to be true, go ahead and scrutinize the One, better yet establish a relationship with Him. Read the bible.
Death, for many of us is the end – of life, career, and happiness; on the contrary it’s when we start to live LIFE. For those who love Christ, it’s the time when we live side by side with our creator, a time when there’s nothing more to worry, no illness to endure and no loved ones to lose. When we believe in Christ and His offer of salvation, just like that criminal in Golgotha, we can take His words as He says, “…I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
That’s Jesus reply to that criminal, who on last hour of his life repented and entrusted his life to Him.