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John 8:23-24

He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.  I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

Jesus did not mince words about eternity. In today’s passage, he makes it clear that unless a person believes that he is the Messiah—the one he claims to be—that person will die in their sins. This is straightforward, clear, and refreshing.

I contrast this clarity with a book by an “evangelical” pastor questioning the existence of hell. The author, Rob Bell, says in a Time magazine interview, “When we get to what happens when we die, we don’t have any video footage. So lets at least be honest that we are speculating, because we are.” Richard Mouw, former president of Fuller Theological Seminary, adds, “[Bell is] trying to reach a generation that’s more comfortable with mystery, with unsolved questions.” Really? Unsolved questions about eternity?

Thankfully Jesus is very clear about who he is, who we are, what we need to do to have a relationship with him, and where we will spend eternity based on that decision. Trusting in Jesus alone as the One who paid the penalty for our sin is the only way we can have an eternal relationship with the living God. So when it comes to eternity with God or without him, heaven or hell, that’s one question no one should leave in the category of mystery or speculation.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your clear teaching on heaven and hell. Thank you for paying the penalty of my sin on the cross. I thank you that through trusting in you alone, I can know for sure where I will spend eternity. In your name. Amen.

Today’s Journey Message:

Impressing My Influence