People wonder: Is there an after life, or life after death? God created humans to live forever but sin ruined His plans. Sin disconnected humans from the source of life, and therefore they became subject to death (Romans 5:12). But the hope of eternal life was restored through Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:12, 18; 6:23) and with it all that Adam lost through breaking of God’s law (John 10:10; 11:25; 14:6).
The Hope of Eternal Life
Christ’s incarnation and sacrificial death made it possible for the members of the human race to have eternal life. Christ became the link between earth and heaven. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Because of the plan of salvation, death is not the end of mankind (John 11:25-26). And Jesus will give the key of heaven to the redeemed (Revelation 1:17-18).
At the Day of Judgement, everyone will appear before God (2 Cor. 5:10; Hebrews 9:27). Those that have accepted Christ as their Savior and walked in His path will be saved (John 1:12). God does not magically make people His children but He empowers them by His grace to become such if they made the choice to accept Him. But those that have rejected His free offer of salvation will be lost (Matthew 25:46).
The Resurrection of Jesus from the death ensures eternal life for the redeemed. “who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (Romans 4:25). Christ has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Just as God raised up Jesus’ body, so will the bodies of the saints be resurrected at the second coming of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Victory Over Death
Christ comforted His disciples with the hope of heaven, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).
The Bible assures us of the glorious plans that God has prepared for the faithful “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). No one can comprehend the indescribable wonder, beauty and joy of God’s eternal home for the redeemed. Then, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
The Lord desires that all should repent and have eternal life (2 Peter 3:9). “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36). But it is up to people to accept or reject His love. Paul urged the believers to not delay their decision to accept the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:2). For ultimately the day of mercy will be shut, and when it does, there will be no second chance for those who have rejected God’s love (Hebrews 9:27).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
