Afterlife

What has always stood out to me throughout my life about the Bible and Christianity is what it has to say about the afterlife. I frequently refer to a button I got at a Bible camp as a child which said, "Have a nice forever." I may still have it somewhere.
The afterlife, is an issue too for all of us. We may forget about it in the hastles and hectic pace of our lives. But as a pastor, it is on my mind more than most. Because we pastors go from hospital nurseries to funeral homes, burn units to nursing homes. I've been to a few more funerals and wakes this year. That really does it--make me think about it.

It has been stated by philosophers that a legitimate religion has to answer four questions (I'm repeating myself--here). They are our origin, condition, salvation and destiny. See my very first blog entry for additional thoughts about that.

In contrast to the prevailing opinions of the general public, the Bible makes it quite clear that there is a heaven and hell. This is no recent doctrinal interpretation. This doctrine is clear also in the churches various confessions and theology since the first century.

Jesus Himself is quite clear on this. He said to the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise." In John 14, he tells the disciples that he is leaving to "prepare a place for you".

Yes the Bible presents us with a clear and wonderful hope of heaven, and the free and certain way for all to get there.

But unfortunately, as Jesus puts it best, not all will travel that road. He speaks as recorded by Matthew 7:13, 14 "Enter in at the narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be who go in that way; Because narrow is the gate and hard is the way, which leadeth unto life, and a few there be that find it."

What does this mean for us? All roads do not lead to the same destination in real life--listen to your Garmin--"Turn right"! And in spite of well-intentioned people in religion, the same is true in our afterlife. We need to get on the narrow road as did the thief on the cross--it's never too late.
You could say the thief on the cross pushed the "On Star" button and received the answer we all want to hear. Push the button today.
That's what I know, a poor part-time Country Preacher.