HEAVEN

AND WHO IS GOING THERE

We cannot stay here, for the sentence of death is universal (Job 14:1-2; 7:6; I Pet 1:24). After death follows the Day of Judgment (Heb 9:27). Death is not annihilation (Job 14: 14), but a transition to one of two places: either Heaven or Hell. Each of us determines where we will go after we die.

HEAVEN. This is the dwelling place of God (Psa 11:4; Rev 22:4). It is ‘‘up above” (Psa 14:2), not on this earth (2 Peter 3:10-13; Rev 21:1-3). It cannot be fully described, for we are not able to fathom such majestic grandeur (Psa 23).

WHO IS GOING THERE? Universalists say everybody. Calvinists say only a few individuals who have been predestined. The Bible says only those who obey God (Heb 5:8-9), for no sin can enter heaven (Rev 21:27). No one enters by chance or accident, but we must give “diligence to make our calling and election sure” (2 Pet 1:10) by adding to our faith “goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love” (2 Peter 1:5-9). We must seek “glory” and “be faithful to the end” (Mt 10:22; Rev 2: 10).

HOW CAN WE GET RID OF SIN? Jesus did His part by shedding His blood (Rev 21:27; Ac 22:16). We must believe He is God’s Son (Jn 8:24; Mk 16:16), repent of sins (Ac 17:30), confess Jesus (Mt 10:32) and be born again, baptized (Jn 3:5; Ac 2:38), and be faithful till the end (Rev 2: 10; 7: 14; 22: 1-3; Heb 4:9).

Paper Pulpit book 391 sermons $10.