HEAVEN

Heaven is not a ghostlike, foggy atmosphere where disembodied spirits float around. Heaven is as real as this earth. Jesus told his disciples, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:3). Paul taught that Christians would have new imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).

Again, contrary to many popular ideas, heaven is not dull. The things that are killjoys on earth-- selfishness, hatred, death--all will be gone.

Heaven will not be a place where we sit around with nothing to do. The Bible suggests that heaven will be a place for dynamic, creative and untiring activity, but without toil and fatigue (Revelation 21:1-7).

Heaven will also be a place of intellectual stimulation. Here we "see through a glass darkly," but there, "face to face," we shall see God (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Are you going?

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. . . . Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 14:6; John 5:24).

HELL

Jesus and the New Testament writers use every image in their power to tell us that hell is real, terrible, and something to be feared and avoided at all costs. Never forget that the talk about outer darkness and the lake of fire came from Jesus, who died to save us.

In his parable of the last judgment Jesus taught that some would go to eternal punishment, some to eternal life (Matthew 25:46). In other words, hell will be as real and lasting as heaven.

The most frightening thing about hell is that it is spiritual separation from God, moral remorse, and the consciousness that one deserves what he is getting. Hell is total separation from the love, joy, and peace that come from God.

Are you going?

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36). "The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin andall law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:41-42).

Which will you choose?

You must decide where you will spend eternity. Jesus Christ has paid the full penalty for your sins on the cross. "Christ also suffered once for sins . . . that he might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). Now you must come to him just as you are--a guilty sinner unable to save yourself.

- PRAY: Dear Jesus, please forgive my sins against you. I believe you are my Savior and by your death and resurrection I can receive the gift of eternity with you.

- READ the Bible to learn more about God and his plan for your life

- ATTEND a Bible-teaching church where you can worship God and get to know other Christians

- SHARE your faith. You've just received the wonderful gift of salvation--tell someone!