I just finished reading chapter 47 from the book
The Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper (each chapter is two pages). The book discusses "fifty reasons why Jesus came to die." I was moved by what I read just now and wanted to share some of my thoughts.
Chapter title: "Christ suffered and died... to rescue us from final judgement."
Most of the time I prefer to consider how Christ influences my life here and now, after all, that is where I am. I understand - and certainly do not take for granted - that He also influences my eternity, and I am humbly and fully grateful for that. Sometimes though I think people beat the "Heaven or Hell?!" evangelical strategy into the ground. Jesus isn't only about what happens after we die, He is also concerned about right now! However, this piece really put a burden on my heart for you to understand exactly what is at stake for eternity regarding your decision about Christ, because this Earth will either be the closest to Heaven or the closest to Hell that you will ever experience. Here on Earth we are not obligated to obey God, but we do have the option - having that option makes a pretty big difference.
Imagine the most hopeless, most tormented, most pain you have ever endured. Even in the middle of the suffering, there is still knowledge that someday you might get through it, you might get over it and find peace and joy again. Or at least now and then some small thing will bring a smile back to your face. That is hopelessness on Earth. It hurts, but there is still hope.
Now imagine those feelings, but instead there is never any escape...no temporary relief, no future relief, no hope. That is Hell, because we are forever separated from God.
"...when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power."
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
Next, imagine the most peace, most joy, most love you have ever encountered. There may be an occasional down moment that distracts you from your uplifting experience, or you may anticipate a time around the corner where it might slip away, but you quickly return to your cloud. That is peace on Earth. It is wonderful, but we know that it might end.
Now imagine those feelings, but instead there are no interruptions, no distractions, no end to the happiness. That is Heaven, because we are forever in the presence of God.
"God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
Revelation 21:3-4
Our lives here on Earth give us glimpses of both Heaven and Hell. I can say that I experience enough hopelessness in this life to know that I want to stay well clear of it for eternity! And I am grateful to God both for the good plans He has for me now, and for the never ending joy He has in store for me!
I urge you to seek more on your own! God promises that we will find Him when we seek Him with all our heart! (
Jeremiah 29:13)
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.' Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For 'Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.'"
Romans 10:9-13