Eternity

Eternity

We are on a march to eternity whether we want to be or not. From the moment we are born we begin a march toward the grave and beyond.
One thing all philosophy’s, religions and even atheist agree on is that we will not get out of this world alive.
People fear death.
I don’t think it’s the death part they particularly fear it’s the not knowing what’s on the other side. It’s the finality. The fact they fear they will never see their relatives again.
In today’s society with all our knowledge those who don’t believe in Christ don’t know and fear what is beyond the grave.lit
I don’t think that fear has changed in thousands of years. For millennia societies have had elaborate death rituals. Placing things in graves that they felt their dear departed would need in the next world.
The Egyptian pyramids are the supreme example. Elaborate tombs build to show the grandeur of the person filled with gold, jewels and other item thought necessary for the after life.
Today in our so called enlightened society we still include mementos in the casket of the deceased.
What happens during the funeral and what is placed in the grave with the deceased is however unimportant.
I have known many people who have had a genuine fear of death. Others who couldn’t care less. People who have the philosophy eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.
My brother and atheist truly believes life ends in oblivion. How sad.
On the topic of life after death we are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Two very wise people born centuries apart made these comments,
The Venerable Mother Catherine Elizabeth McAuley (29 September 1778 – 11 November 1841) Irish nun, founder of the Sisters of Mercy in 1831, said,
“Each day is a step we make towards eternity and we shall continue thus to step from day to day until we take the last step, which will bring us into the presence of God.”
Billy Graham the famous American Evangelist said,
“My home is in Heaven. I'm just travelling through this world.”
Christians believe that if you believe that Jesus is the one and only Son of God you will know for certain where you will spend eternity.
The Bible is God’s directions to heaven.
Billy Graham said,
I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.'”
                    Billy Graham.
The book of Luke records,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 
                                                                                               Luke 23:39-43.
It’s that simple to know where you will spend eternity.
You must as the criminal did confess your sins to God, believe Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins and accept his saving grace.
Here is what I believe you must know to inherit eternal life with God.
It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 
   John 3:16,17.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                     John 14:6

   Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
Isaiah telling us,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” 
                                                                                             Isaiah 64:6
  John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 
       1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                                  Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                              Hebrews 11:1
What do you believe?
Think about it.