Years ago, I heard a preacher state that there are really only two things around us that last forever. Last week we looked at one of those, God’s Word, and the great RIO (Return On Investment) that it yields. Can you guess the second one?
Dr. Bob Jones Sr. was struck by a huge truth from God’s Word. It got his attention. He began to grasp the reality that man is going to live somewhere FOREVER! The Scriptures do not say that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this, nothing.” Not at all! It states “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27) (You might enjoy reading Dr. Bob’s sermon: https://bobjonessermons.wordpress.com/sermons/things-i-have-learn-no-1/)
Upon further study in the Scriptures, we see two judgment seats – the judgment seat (one Greek word – “bema”) of Christ (II Cor. 5:10 and II Cor. 3:10b-15), and the great white throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). The conclusion of the matter is that those who have accepted Jesus as the payment for their sins will spend eternity in heaven with Him. For them, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (II Cor. 5:8) Those who have rejected Christ will exist forever in hell, separated from God. This is actually called the “second death”. (In essence, those who accept Christ have two births and one death, and those who reject Christ have one birth and two deaths.)
Although man may try to explain away what God says happens after we die, God has made it very clear. If man is honest with himself, he must admit that he senses he will exist somewhere forever. God has put eternity in man’s heart. (Eccl. 3:11)
In conclusion, God has commissioned us to use the eternal Word of God to reach the souls of men and women around us who will live someplace forever. (Also, you might enjoy this article from a preacher in Dallas that I just read after I wrote these comments: https://insight.org/resources/article-library/individual/what-lasts-forever-only-two-things) Here are some concluding Scriptures:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
He who wins souls is wise.” (Prov. 11:30b)
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (I Cor. 9:16b – the Apostle Paul)
“Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” (II Cor. 5:11a)
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (II Cor. 5:14-15)