What Happens When You Die!
My friend: Have you ever thought about what happens to you when you die? Death is no respecter of persons. It comes to the old, young, and those in between. Death is coming! Each of us is going to die. Then what? Is it possible to be prepared for death?
The Bible tells us there is a heaven and hell. It tells us one of those places will be our eternal destination depending on what decision we make about Jesus Christ. John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son (Jesus Christ), that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (hell), but have everlasting life (heaven). For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (go to heaven). John 3:36, He that believeth on the Son (Jesus Christ) hath everlasting life (in heaven): and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him (in hell).
So there you have it, heaven or hell. Did you notice these verses say believe or not believe in Him (Jesus Christ) and what He did for you? What did He do? Matthew 1:21, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus (the name “Jesus” means “Saviour”): for he shall save his people from their sins. There you see it, “their sins.” Do you realize today you are a sinner? If you are honest today, you know that you have sinned (done something wrong in your life).
How To Go To Heaven When You Die
1. You have to realize you are a sinner. Romans 3:23, For all (me and you) have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
2. Because you are a sinner, you will die (everybody does). Romans 6:23, For the wages (payment) of sin (all the wrong things we do), is death (physical and spiritual death). Luke 16:22-24, … the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments … ad he cried and said … I am tormented in this flame. People die because they are sinners! This means eternal separation from God in hell. Hebrews 9:27, … it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
3. Because God loved you so much, He gave his Son to die for your sins so that you might have the gift of eternal life (in heaven). Romans 6:23, … but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. If someone gives you a gift, what would you have to do to receive it? You would just have to simply accept it to make it yours. The question is, “How do I accept the gift of eternal life that Jesus died to give me?”
4. You must repent of your sins. Luke 13:3, … except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish (hell). Acts 17:30, God … commandeth all men everywhere to repent. Mark 1:15, Jesus said, … The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. What does it mean to repent? You must see your sins as wrong and as willful rebellion against God. You must realize that you have no hope of going to heaven in you own power. Your only hope is in Jesus Christ who died for your sins. You must turn from yourself, realize your sins have separated you from God and heaven, have sincere sorrow over the wickedness of your sins, and turn your heart, mind, emotions and will to God as the only One who can save you. You must turn to God with a sorrowful heart because of your sins against Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10, For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation… If you are not willing to acknowledge that you are wrong, you are saying that you don’t need to repent. That means you see yourself as having done no wrong in the sight of God. Repentance is a change of mind that agrees with God that you are a sinner and that Jesus died on the cross for your sins to personally save you. You must turn away from your sins and yourself, change your mind about your sins, and turn to Jesus Christ alone who can save you.
5. You must believe in Him. Simply believe in Jesus Christ as the One who bore your sins on the cross, died in your place, was buried, and was resurrected by God. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can claim the powerful, miraculous promise of Christ’s resurrection-eternal life with God in heaven.
6. You must call upon Him in prayer. Romans 10:9-10, 13, That if thou (you) shalt confess with thy mouth (call on Him in prayer) the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead (the resurrection of Christ), thou shalt be saved (heaven). For with the heart man (you) believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession (in prayer) is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call (in prayer) upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (heaven).
7. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. God loves you, and He wants you to speak to Him sincerely from your heart. Pray this prayer: Lord I know I am a sinner. I believe you died in my place on the cross for me. I ask you to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and be my Saviour. I repent of my sins, and I receive you now as my Saviour. Thank you for saving me.
If you have prayed sincerely from your heart to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, the Bible says you are now a child of God, John 1:12. Please contact us and let us know of your decision to trust Christ as Saviour, and we will provide material to help you get started properly in your new life.
From the Tract This is Your Personal Invitation to Central Baptist Church, written by Dr. Terry L. Coomer