According to the Bible there will be an afterlife. If this is true, then we should know something about it. None of us live perfect lives and because of that we should find out more about our future. After we die there is one of two places we will go: Heaven or Hell. If given a choice I think we would all want to spent eternity in heaven. Especially once we know what hell consists of.
Here is how the NIV Bible dictionary describes hell:
Hell: The nature of hell is indicated by the repeated reference to eternal punishment (Matt 25:46), eternal fire (18:8, Jude 7), everlasting chains (Jude 6), the pit of the Abyss (Rev 9:2, 11), outer darkness (Matt 8:12), the wrath of God (Rom 2:5), second death (Rev 21:8), eternal destruction from the face of God (2 Thess 1:9), and eternal sin (Mark 3:29).
This doesn't sound like a fun place to be. So how do stay out of there?
Here is what the Bible says:
RO 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Okay, if this is true, what exactly is sin? Her is the definition of sin according to Webster's dictionary:
1. Willful breaking of religious or moral law
2. Any offense or fault
And everybody says: Okay here comes the beating up on us.
I could, but I won't. I would have to beat up on myself, because the Bible also says:
RO 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
So if all have sinned what do we do?
A lot of religions have all kinds off rules to live by, to WORK there way into heaven. It doesn't work.
The OT had what was called the Mosaic Law.
You followed rules. You break one law and you where not good enough.
All the law did was to show that you could not live up to God's standards.
HEB 10:11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
So what's the use? We will never make it. Don't give up, keep reading.
Read the following promises:
JN 3:16 "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.
RO 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Wow, now that sounds good. That is all it takes? Yes
It is a free gift. You cannot earn it. You cannot work for it. You cannot pay for it.
WOW!
Now if I am wrong and you do this, you might miss out on a little of what you think is fun.
But what if I am right? Are you willing to take that chance?
Are you willing to let your friends take that chance?
After you are saved you will still be a sinner. But now you are forgiven and the Holy Spirit will help you change your life. I guarantee it.
It does not make life perfect or make all your problems go away, but now you are not in it by yourself anymore.
