And So Shall We Ever Be - 1 Thes. 4:17

Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica to praise them for their wonderful example of faith, love, and good works, and to exhort them to do even better (Ch. 1; 4:1). He also wrote to comfort them regarding the persecutions which they were facing from day to day (Ch. 2:14-16; 3:3). Paul accomplished his purpose by writing concerning the resurrection at the last day (4:13- 5:11). It is apparent in the letter that some were confused regarding what had happened to those who had died and what would happen if they died before Christ came again. Paul addressed this issue and it seems that afterward he had to clear it up even more with the second epistle. There is still much confusion in the world concerning life after death. However, the Bible is crystal clear regarding the subject. There is life after death and how we live our lives will determine where we will be for eternity. There are only two places from which to choose- Heaven or Hell.

Heaven

Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. It is the eternal abode of the saved. The saved are those who have lived their lives in humble obedience to the will of God (Heb. 5:9). It is the place where all of the saved will ever be reunited with their heavenly Father. Jesus said, "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 14:3). What a blessing it will be to be in that glorious abode for all eternity. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away," (Rev. 21:4). But we must overcome if we are to be there (Rev. 21:7). The apostle John described it in the best way that he could within the limitations of human language and perception (Rev. 21-22). Yet it is far better than we can imagine, and it is worth whatever we have to give up during our brief sojourn here to realize the glory that awaits us on the other side. The apostle Paul described it best in Rom. chapter eight: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us," (vs.18).

Hell

Hell is the other side of eternity. Like Heaven, it also is a prepared place. Hell is prepared for those who are unprepared. Unprepared because their lives were spent selfishly seeking their own pleasures. Unprepared because they didn't have time to do God's will. Unprepared because the cost of discipleship just seemed a bit too high. Oh how these will wish and plead for a second chance at life, yet to no avail! For there are no second chances. "And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," (Hebrew 9:27). Hell is described as "the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death," (Rev. 21:8). It is a place of eternal torment where its occupants will have no rest day or night for all eternity (Rev. 14:11). It is the place of eternal darkness (Matt. 8:12; Jude 13). It is the place of sin and its abundant wages (Rom. 6:23).

Some believe that Hell doesn't exist; that it is merely a ploy by preachers to try to solicit a response. Others believe that it exists, but that it is not as bad as we think. Still others try to get around the subject by teaching that those who enter will be burned up thereby ceasing to exist. None of these opinions are true to the Bible. The Scriptures plainly teach that there will be a resurrection of all the dead at the end of time (1 Cor. 15; Rev. 20:12 ff). The judgment day will immediately follow where each one will be judged according to his works (2 Cor. 5:10). Each one will be required to give account of himself before God (Rom. 14:12). Then God will separate the saved from the lost and these will remain separate for all eternity. There will be no second chances, no court of appeals, no condition of pardon offered because opportunity will have passed by. Therefore we must all strive to live "soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age..."(Titus 2:12). Don't let another opportunity pass you by, for it just may be your last. "Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near," (Isaiah 55:6).