By Jerry Jackson
Today there are only two roads to follow. There is the road of life and the road of destruction. The road of life leads to heaven, while the road of destruction leads to hell. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13–14)
Some people think that when a person dies his soul sleeps in the grave, or that he merely ceases to exist. Others believe that a person is reincarnated over and over again. Although many well-intentioned people believe these things, God teaches us differently. God teaches us that when a person dies, his soul and spirit go somewhere; depending on which road they have traveled. “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (Luke 16:22–23) Other good people claim that no one can really know where they will go when they die until death. God tells us that every person can definitely know where they will go when they die. “These things have I written unto you... that ye may know that ye have eternal life...” (1 John 5:13)
So, Where Will You Go When You Die?
1. The road of destruction leads to hell.
Too often we think of our eternal destiny according to our own prejudices. We think that we know who is and who is not on this road of destruction. We know and believe that the “bad people” walk on this road of destruction, yet we must understand that there are many good and religious people on this road as well. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Simply being religious or “good” does not remove a person from the road of destruction and place him on the road of life. The truth is that everyone starts on this road of destruction, no matter their social standing, political affiliation, or upbringing. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)
Those who follow this road will die and their bodies will be buried, but immediately their soul will be in hell. “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (Luke 16:22–23)
Hell is a terrible place:
• A place of fire. “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:44)
• A place of eternal pain. “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night... “ (Revelation 14:11)
• A place of no escape. “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” (Luke 16:26)
2. The road of life leads to heaven
When this person dies, immediately his soul will be in heaven with the Lord. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)
Heaven is a wonderful place:
• A place of joy. There is no sorrow in heaven. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
• A place of beauty. “In my Father’s house are many mansions...” (John 14:2)
God Does Not Want Anyone to Go to Hell
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
God Wants Everyone to Go to Heaven
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
How Can a Person Get on The Road of Life?
1. You must understand that it is your own sin that is keeping you out of heaven. “ But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2 ) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God...” (Romans 3:23)
2. Jesus came to make a way for you to go to heaven. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
3. You must repent of your sin and place your trust totally in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21) “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord...” (Acts 3:19)
If you will repent of your sin and place your faith in Christ alone, God has promised to save you, and to take you to heaven when you die. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
The choice is yours. Only you can answer the question, “Where will you go when you die?”
Tract C–420