Sunday Rewind 1.3.10

Death is an uncomfortable subject. For many people, talking about death, walking into a funeral home, or even driving past a cemetery can be a very unsettling thing. Still, death is an important subject to talk about. Why? Because what we believe about death and eternity will determine how we live.

When it comes to the subject of death, a lot of mystery is involved. The Bible is clear on some things, and other things are not quite as clear. Here are a few things that we know for sure about death and what happens after you die:

• Death is certain (Hebrews 9:27). Studies are conclusive. Approximately 1 out of 1 people die. I’m going to die. You’re going to die. Unless you are a believer and Jesus returns in your lifetime, you are going to die. And what happens then depends on what you did with Christ in your lifetime.
• The soul and the body separate (Matthew 10:28). The body and the soul are 2 different things. And when your physical body dies, you will be as alive as you have ever been. The body may die, but the soul lives on.
• You will face the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). That's a pretty sobering thought. Forget Simon Cowell, each of us will stand before God! Now, exactly how this works out is a subject that smart, godly, biblical people disagree on. But, as I read the Bible, I see two judgments.
• Great White Throne Judgement (Revelation 20:11-12,15). At this judgment, there are dead people and there are books. One of those books is called the Book of Life, and there are other books, which evidently contain our deeds. If your name is not found in the Book of Life, then apparently, you are judged by your works. Biblically, we know that no one is good enough to qualify for heaven. Therefore, everyone who is judged by their works will be thrown into what is called "limne pur", the Greek terminology for the lake of fire, everlasting destruction, hell, eternal damnation, and separation from God. The Great White Throne Judgment is a place you do not want to be.
• Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment is not about our eternal destination. It's about judging to see whether or not you are worthy of rewards in heaven. Some of us will be rewarded so big that it’s going to take a million year just to soak in Jesus' words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Others of us will have a different experience. You're believers, but you've done hardly anything but receive Christ. You'll get into heaven, but only as one "escaping through the flames" (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).What you believe about death and eternity will determine how you live. One day, death will come. At that moment, you will either receive the welcome embrace of Jesus. Or, if you are without Christ, you will face gloom and despair and hopelessness. But either way, at that moment, your eternal destination is irrevocably fixed and eternally unchangeable.

That's what makes this moment so important. If you don't know for sure that you will received Jesus' embrace, please click here to find out how you can have peace with God.