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WHEN I DIE AM I GOING TO HEAVEN?
WHEN I DIE AM I GOING TO HEAVEN?? Do we have to live in doubt for the answer to this most important question? I think, as you probably do also, many folks are unsure of their destiny at the end of this life. As Christians, I don't think we need to be one of them. God always keeps His promises. God also wants us to be in heaven with Him and His Son. How do we know? By considering His Word in the New Testament we find the answer to this question. So let us consider a few of those, and put our hope and trust in Him. (1 Peter 1:21)
"I HAVE fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have KEPT THE FAITH; in the future THERE IS LAID UP FOR ME THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LOVED HIS APPEARING." (2 Timothy 4:7,8)
This passage clearly tells us the Apostle Paul (writer of this letter to Timothy) was confident of his future. He also mentions others here also. By considering a few other Scriptures we are able to know who "ALL WHO LOVE HIS APPEARING " are. Now turn to the letter Paul wrote to the church at Philippi.
"More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of KNOWING CHRIST JESUS MY LORD, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may BE FOUND IN HIM, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST, THE RIGHTOUSNESS WHICH COMES FROM GOD ON THE BASIS OF FAITH, that I may know Him, and the POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION WHICH COMES FROM GOD ON THE BASIS OF FAITH." (Philippians 3:8,9)
The power of His resurrection (being raised from the dead) gave Him power over death. It also gives the GOSPEL OF CHRIST the power to save men. Romans 1:16) Obedient faith in God's plan (the Gospel put in place by His Son) leads to salvation, and to heaven.
"...even the righteousness of God THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST FOR ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE, FOR THERE IS NO DISTINCTION, FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD, being justified as a gift by His grace through THE REDEMPTION WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS, whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration , I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who HAS FAITH IN JESUS." (Romans 3:22-26)
The Apostle Peter insures us of "an inheritance" which will not fade away, "reserved for us in heaven". This prepared place for the faithful is promised many times over by God as given in His Holy Word. Please read some of Peter's words in first Peter, chapter one. (refer to verses 3-5)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused US TO BE BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD, to obtain an inheritance which is IMPERISHABLE AND UNDEFILED AND WILL NOT FADE AWAY, RESREVED IN HEAVEN FOR YOU, who are protected by the POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH for a salvation READY TO BE REVEALED IN THE LAST TIME." (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Peter speaks of AN OBEDIENT FAITH WHICH LASTS on until our Lord comes again; also a PROMISE OF GOD. The day and time only known to the Father in heaven, but patiently waits while we have time to repent and turn to Him in obedience to His Gospel. (2 Peter 3:9-15) He says "THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME" (verse 10). Many other Scriptures support this promise. (Acts 1:11;JOhn 14:1-3;Matthew 16:27)
God has given us a promise - that if we obey His Son and continue faithful until the end, we will have a home with Him in heaven. "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who DESIRES ALL MEN TO BE SAVED AND TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. " (1 Timothy 2:3,4)
Peter tells us we can have a LIVING HOPE by obeying Him and living a faithful life. (1 Peter 1). WE can have His blessings in this life, and look forward to those of heaven. Paul tells the Romans in that letter (Romans 8) how wonderful life will be there, compared to the life now.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with THE GLORY THAT IS TO BE REVEALED TO US." (Romans 8:18)
Yes, I firmly believe we can KNOW WE CAN IF WE WILL BE IN HEAVEN. But only if we do things God's way while we live this life.
Where would you be if your life ended tomorrow or if Jesus comes tomorrow morning?? Sobering questions I think. We must be ready.
Ross
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