We'll Just Keep Walking...

What happens to us when we die? There’s nothing to fear for the Christian. Though some world religions teach that man just disappears upon death, the Bible teaches we are eternal beings and we have a desire to live forever. (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Those who deny the existence of God quite often also deny the reality of heaven and of hell as taught in the scriptures. Hell was prepared as the everlasting residence “for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41) Why unbelieving people would spend eternity there, might be best understood simply as “why not?” Those who reject God their whole life through are already on their way to this terrible place, are they not; by choice?

It is hell to be separated from God, to live in darkness, to scorn the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Given careful thought, seeing how determined the heart can be to maintain that wall of separation why would the Lord God interfere and usurp human will to force anyone to go to heaven? After clearly explaining in Romans chapter 3, that no one is good enough to earn their way to heaven, the apostle Paul clarifies how one gains admittance; by faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ…by faith in what He did on the cross at Calvary. Paul explains in Romans 4, the patriarch Abraham believed in the promises of God and was “fully convinced in his own mind” that (God) was able to perform what He had promised. (Romans 4:19-22) God did it! God did it all!

Yes, we want to live forever. In certain quarters it’s taught or promoted that enough faith in techniques, programs, methodical rituals or mantras will allow us to escape health problems. In this leg of the journey with cancer in the picture, it’s so much more realistic for me to aspire to complete surrender to God’s power and promises. In fact I would submit looking forward to the Lord showing Himself strong takes more faith than any suggested agenda man may teach. As a believer in Jesus Christ I know that my life is hid with God in Christ (Colossians 3:3). The Lord knows “the measure of our days” (Psalm 39:4) and He has promised when those who’ve followed Him reach the end of their days on earth they will immediately be where He is forever. In heaven there is no death – no crying or pain. The former things have passed away – “all things have become new.” (Revelation 21) Ascension to heaven upon death isn’t based on wishful thinking but rather the fact that Christ alone paid the whole price the sins of the world on the cross.

I’ve been walking with the Lord now for about 20 years, through highs and lows; ups and downs.  I’ve been emphatically reminded time after time that He has never left me or forsaken me. (Hebrews 13:5) Entering the holiness of heaven is just another step along the way and we’ll just keep walking – Jesus and me forever and ever.

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