Bible Reading: 2 Chron. 20; 1 Thes.4:11-18
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” -1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV)
Death is inevitable. Just as we were born on a day; so also shall we die on a day. Before the birth of Jesus, we have record of Enoch and ELIJAH that were taken away by God without experiencing physical death. After that, Jesus Christ came to the world and took on the sins of the whole world and died. After death, he resurrected.
Jesus is our example and since his death, there is no record of any other human being that came to this world and did not taste of death. However we have records of those that died and were raised back to life, though later died..
So everyone shall die. Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” The question that should agitate our mind is where you go after death, more so that the bible says there will be judgement. What type of judgement awaits you?
Every one of us will face judgement and it is better that we plan ahead so that we would not end up in the wrong place. We either go to heaven or hell. The good part of this is that we are to choose our destination by our action here on earth. So by your action, which of the destinations are you preparing for? According to Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV): “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”
However not every soul will experience physical death. Believers who are alive at the time that Jesus would come the second time will be caught up in heaven just like Jesus was taken up after his resurrection ( Mark 16:19). That catching up in heaven is referred to as Rapture and it’s stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV): “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Thereafter it is eternity. How do you intend to spend your eternity? It is certainly better in comfort in heaven. If so, the journey starts with a decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.
Action Point: Examine yourself and ascertain your direction in life; heaven or hell. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour or you backslided along the way, please pray to the Lord Jesus now confessing your sins, asking for forgiveness, and committing yourself never to go back to sin again and He will wash you clean and give you a new beginning.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero