I don’t want to sound morbid, but many of my friends have died recently or are closing in on that ultimate appointment. Unless the Rapture occurs in our lifetime, we will all fulfill the prediction that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
When I was a teenager and a new Christian, I heard a preacher say, “Life is short. Death is sure. Sin’s the cause. Christ’s the cure.” Back then, I focused on the second half of the poem; the first part didn’t mean much to a young person. Now I am focusing quite often on the first part. Life is short! Time does fly—whether you are having fun or not.
Many of my friends who died recently or may do so soon are Christians. I know Heaven is their eternal Home, and it is certainly a better place than Planet Earth. Not a single tear falls in Heaven. No one there experiences even a nanosecond of pain or sadness. Boundless vitality, perfect peace, and complete joy are a few of the benefits of living in Heaven. The greatest benefit is that of enjoying God’s presence forever.
Do you sense life is short but you lack assurance that Heaven is your eternal address? If so, here is the best news you will ever encounter:
(1•• Jesus died our sins, arose from the dead, and is alive forever (1 Cor. 15:3-5);
(2)• He offers you eternal life as a free gift (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9);
(3)• You can have eternal life by believing in Him as your Savior (John 1:12; 1 John 5:11-13).
By the way, life in Heaven begins when we die, but a heavenly life begins when we believe in Jesus.
