Many people wonder if this life is all there is, or is there something else, or a life lived after their death. God addresses those thoughts or concerns in the Bible. God clearly speaks of life after death. Death never means that one ceases to exist but has transitioned to the afterlife. (Luke 16: 19-31) This parable told by Jesus clearly speaks to an afterlife experience. The Bible in speaking of an afterlife experience clearly speaks of two destinations for mankind’s soul after death: Heaven and Hell. In Revelation 20: 11-15 the apostle John describes God’s future judgment of all non-believers and shows their eternal residence will be in the Lake of Fire known as the second death. Revelation 21: 8 gives a description of the people who will spend eternity away from God’s glorious presence. (2nd Thessalonians 1: 6-10)
It is important to know the Biblical reality of the afterlife. Because it leads us back to answer the question, “Since the afterlife and the Lake of Fire are true what must I do to be saved?” You will often hear people say that they are saved. But the question is saved from what? Many think they are saved from Hell or Sin, however, the Bible tells us that we will be saved from the wrath of God. (Romans 5: 8-10) The Lake of Fire is simply the means by which God will demonstrate His wrath. We actually need to be saved from God, Himself. (Luke 12: 4-5)
Isaiah 64: 6 states, “all of our righteous deeds are like filthy rags in God’s presence.” Psalm 49: 7-8, “No man can by any means redeem his brother, Or give to God a ransom for him, For the redemption of their souls is costly and he should cease trying forever.” Romans 1: 28-32 surveys a list of things men do that has rendered them guilty and worthy of death sentence from God because of their unrighteousness in His presence. However, God has provided a solution to man’s predicament. He has offered His very own Son Jesus Christ, as the sin bearer, for those who will trust in what He accomplished on our behalf through His death on the cross, His burial and His resurrection for our sins. We are excited to inform despite all of our sins and evil deeds God has offered a plan to Cross us Over from death to life by believing in the finished work of His Son on the Cross. (John 5: 24)
Man’s Problem – All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3: 23)
Man’s Predicament – The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6: 23a)
God’s Promise – But the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 6: 23b)
Man’s Question – What must I do to access this free gift?
God’s Answer – Nothing, but “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” (Acts 16: 30-31; Ephesians 2: 1-9)