The only way anyone can know what happens after death is if GOD tells us.
In Luke 16:19-31, JESUS told the story of two men who died. There was an
arrogant rich man who had everything in this world except for love for GOD and
his neighbor. The other man was a poor sick beggar named Lazarus, who had
nothing at the end of his life but hope in the LORD. Lazarus passed out of this
world begging for food at the gate to the rich man’s mansion. The angels carried
his soul to Abraham’s side in Heaven. Then the rich man died and his soul
descended into Hades (the precursor to Hell).
In Hades, the rich man was in great torment in the fire, and he could see
Abraham and Lazarus in the far distance. He called out to Abraham and asked him
to send Lazarus with a little water to cool his tongue. Abraham replied he could not
do that because the unbelieving man was just getting what he deserved, and besides,
there was a gigantic chasm between them that no one could cross. The man then
begged Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his five brothers
about the horrible reality of Hades. Abraham rejected the rich man’s request
stating that if his brothers would not listen to the message of GOD through the
prophets, neither would they be convinced if someone arose from the dead.
The HOLY SPIRIT says: “man is destined to die once, and after that to face
judgement.”(Hebrews 9:27) There is no teaching anywhere in GOD’S Word about
people given another chance after they die. The truth is this: like the rich man and
his brothers, most people are wasting the many opportunities or chances that GOD
gives them each day during their life. If people will not believe the message of
GOD’S Word through His prophets, apostles, and through His SON and HOLY
SPIRIT, neither will they believe someone who arose from the dead. JESUS arose!
The words of CHRIST concerning these men ought to be enough to cause
anyone to stop in their tracks, repent of their sin, and place their hope of eternal
salvation in GOD’S love and mercy through His Son JESUS CHRIST. In His
amazing grace to us, JESUS died on a cross for our sin. No one ever has to go into
Hell if they trust in Him (see John 3:16).
“Today is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today, all over our
world, many people, young and old, black and white, rich and poor will be forgiven
and saved through faith in CHRIST. Today is another chance for you! There is no
guarantee from GOD about tomorrow.
Amen, come LORD JESUS.