Not All Roads Lead to Heaven: Scriptures About Life After Death

What will happen when we die? Many people dread that day because they don't know what to expect. Are we just extinguished like a flame? Or is there really life after death? It isn't pleasant to think of what will become of us once our life is snuffed out.

Funerals give us time to seriously think about the afterlife. It is too easy to gaze upon the deceased and acknowledge that they were a "good person" and will soon be strumming a golden harp and leaping upon streets of pure gold. Sadly, the Word of Almighty God has much to say on this topic and it us far from the popular lie about the afterlife.

Unlike many people from an earlier time, we have the advantage of easy access to many translations of the Bible which we can explore for ourselves. It is clear from Scripture that the decisions that we make here on earth affect our situation in the afterlife. We live in a world that only wants to preach tolerance. Don't judge me is shouted from the rooftops.

Sorry, but all roads simply do not lead to heaven. It is a narrow road and few there be that find it. Yes, the Bible is exclusive and is the ONLY roadmap to heaven. Multitudes of other "religions" claim to get the believer to heaven, but it is just not so.

In truth, if many people are asked if they would believe in the God of the Bible if it was proven to be true, many would say "no". They simply don't want the Bible to be true, otherwise they must obey it...it is much more fun and convenient to live in the sinful ways of the flesh.

So what does scripture have to say about heaven? Please read on.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies [a physical death]; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die [spiritually]." (John 11:25) We cannot wait until we die to decide. Eternal life begins the moment we take the step of believing or trusting in Jesus.

The oft-quoted John 3:16 states, "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." The Bible doesn't stop there. In John 3:36, Jesus goes on to say, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them".

But if we do not take that step in life, then we will face judgment: "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus told several parables indicating there is a separation between those who believe and those who do not. Jesus will divide everyone into one of two groups - either like sheep who were accepted and received the inheritance, or like goats who were rejected and cursed.

Many religions require their converts to die for their "god". Christianity is the only religion in which our God sent His Son to die for us. God's Son, Jesus, came to earth and lived life as a mortal man until he was 33 years old. He was then voluntarily crucified on a cruel cross to pay a debt that mankind could never pay...our sin debt. The debt that leads to spiritual death and eternity in hell. He was the propitiation for our sin so that we could live forever with Him and His Father.

Instead of expounding on the beauty and other attributes of heaven, my goal is to share what it is because of who God is. God is perfect and holy, therefore His dwelling place can be no different (Psalm 68:5 and Revelation 11:19).

Unfortunately, man's righteousness is as a dirty rag in comparison with God. None of us is "good enough" to stroll into heaven on our own merit or actions done here on earth. Romans 3:23 declares that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." As a just God, there has to be a payment made for the sin of mankind. Separation from God is the "reward" for those who don't repent, humble themselves, and sincerely cry out to God for salvation (Romans 6:23).

In reality, those who reject God and His holiness here on earth, wouldn't want to spend eternity in a place that is all about Him. The alternative, hell, will be far less inviting. However, it is the ultimate destination for those who reject God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

When John wrote to the church, he wanted his readers to be sure of their salvation. He uses the words 'we know' or 'you know' about two dozen times. God doesn't want us to waver or doubt. If you are not sure about what will happen to you after you die, ask Jesus right now. He will give you his eternal life IF you truly repent and live for Him every day...not just on Sunday. He has promised and He can not break His word.