Just as Paul tells the Israelites in Romans 9, I want you to be in heaven with me. Everything else in this life is trivial compared to this absolute, final outcome. “Location, location, location” is an old adage concerning real estate. That principle is even more crucial for our eternal existence. Clearly, nothing in this life matters more than the question, "Where will you spend eternity?"
Beyond our finite mind and understanding, we will live
forever. God created each of us as an
eternal being. Just as described in
Genesis, these fleshly bodies have received the breath of God and become living
souls that will live forever. Yes, our
physical bodies will fall to the earth and die, but our inner man, the real
person we are, has an eternal existence.
Unfortunately, even though everyone knows that our years on the earth are limited and will end in death, many people allow themselves to be so distracted with wealth, comfort and convenience, that they fail to consider and prepare for the eternity that lies ahead. Nothing could be more foolish. Vanity of vanity, says the preacher in Ecclesiastes, all is vanity. He is so right.
At one point a man asked Jesus to intervene so his brother would share the inheritance. (Luke 12:13) Jesus answered that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of what he possesses, and then Jesus follows with the parable of the rich man building more barns and neglecting his soul. Jesus calls him a fool who is rich in earthly goods and not rich toward God. A wise man builds his house upon the rock. The rock is Jesus Christ and what is revealed in His Word how to be right with God and be saved for a life of joy with Him forever.
None of us even comes close to deserving to be right with God forever, which is, of course, the reason God sent His Son to pay what we really deserved so we could have His life and right relationship with the Father. The question isn't why would God send people to hell, the question is why would anyone reject the perfect love of God who died for our sins so we could live in joy forever.
Therefore, above anything else you think or do, make sure that you have accepted that Jesus Christ has paid the price for you and that because of such great love, you willingly submit to Him as the Lord, or master of your life. Read this truth in Romans 10:8-10. It really is as simple as believing that Jesus rose from the dead (meaning every one of your sins are paid for) and being willing to declare with your lips that Jesus is Lord of your life. Jesus stated in Matthew 10:32 that He would confess each one before the Father who has been unashamed to confess Him (Jesus) before men.
Lay down every other excuse or persuasion of human thinking, and come as little child trusting Jesus to forgive you and make you completely new. He is faithful and promises you will be with Him (and me) in heaven forever.
