Where Are You Going?

“Where am I going?” may be the most important question that you will ever consider. “Where are you going?” The answer that counts is not the one that you provide but the one that Almighty God provides.

God has much to say respecting our final destinies. Although we may think we will live forever, we know that is not the case. We may try to convince ourselves that this world and its existence is all there is. However, down deep in our hearts we know that to be false. Some claim that when this life is over we come back in the form of an animal or perhaps as another human being. That, too, is merely wishful thinking. Others teach that when we die we go to sleep in the grave, awaiting a future day of judgment. That is not the case, either.

The only revelation that God has given man about what happens to him at death is found in the Bible. The Bible tells us we either go directly into God's presence or we go directly to a place of torment, called Hell. Those are the options: there are no others.

The Apostle Paul said that he desired to depart “and to be with Christ.” Where is Christ? He is in heaven. And that is where all those who have placed their trust in Christ for salvation go immediately upon dying.

Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ are immediately in hell. I realize this is not a pleasant thought. I do no like it, myself. But it is the truth. Jesus tells about a rich man, sometimes called Dives, who died. The sixteenth chapter of the Gospel according to Luke records his words: “The rich man also died, and was buried; and in Hell he lift up his eyes.” In those few words we find three truths: hell is a reality, there is consciousness, and there are no stopping-off places before going there. Other expressions of consciousness which Jesus used are: “being in torments, seeing, crying and saying.” These are activities of a living, conscious entity.

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27).” This lifetime is all you have. There is no coming back. There are no second chances. When you die your destiny is no longer in question. “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). You may not have another tomorrow.

“He that believes on the Son has everlasting life and he that does not obey the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God continues to dwell on him” (John 3:36, paraphrased). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Heaven or hell–where are YOU going?