LIFE-OR-DEATH QUESTION #1: ARE YOU GOING TO HEAVEN? In answer to this, many folks humbly state that they hope that Heaven is their destination. They are honest in admitting that they are not without sin, yet they hope that their good deeds outweigh their foul-ups and sinful choices. What grieves me is that these folks who only hope in their own goodness are often very likeable, well-intentioned folks. They do not understand that our good deeds are like filthy rags to holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Thankfully, there is a way to know Heaven is ours.  

Amazingly, the thief crucified next to Christ had more understanding of God’s plan than these likeable folks. First, this criminal knew he was a sinner without merit of his own. Secondly, he recognized that Jesus was truly the Son of God. He even reprimanded the other thief who mocked Jesus. Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong. Thirdly, the thief was then humble enough to ask Jesus to Remember me when You come into Your kingdom. And Jesus replied, I assure you, today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:40-43).

We too can join Jesus in Paradise/Heaven by (A) recognizing Him as the Son of Father God and (B) acknowledging ourselves to also be sinners in need of a savior. Jesus is that Savior (John 3:16).  Many know and believe these two things, but they have never actually (C) issued an invitation to Jesus Christ to be the Lord of their life. Revelation 3:20 makes it clear that God awaits an invitation from each of us to begin the relationship we call eternal life. God is a gentleman. Our admission to Heaven is about this relationship between us and Jesus, not about our good works, or the thief would certainly not have made it.

If you are not yet sure about Jesus, I suggest you read the gospels, beginning with the gospel of John, to get acquainted with Him and his teachings. If you ask Jesus in prayer to show you who he is and why he came, he will reveal himself to you. However, it is up to you to initiate an actual relationship as did the thief who surprisingly modeled the way for us. Once we acknowledge Jesus to be the Son of Almighty God, and ourselves to be sinners in need of a savior, we need only open the door of our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ for our eternal life to begin.

LIFE-OR-DEATH QUESTION #2: ARE YOU HOME FREE? If you are walking through this life with Jesus and are assured that Heaven is your destination, you probably have the courage to prepare for your own physical death and its aftermath. When your eternal destiny is assured, it becomes possible to put one’s human fears aside and fulfill our responsibilities to the people we wish to bless. The HERITAGE OF HOPE Checklist (pages 22 & 23 of your Workbook) becomes feasible. In the ten years I have been representing Heritage of Hope, however, the most typical reaction to an explanation of this ministry is a rather abrupt change of subject. Surprisingly, I find this change of subject maneuver as common among Christians as unbelievers. Although death is an inescapable part of every life, most people do NOT want to discuss it, let alone focus on it long enough to make Heritage of Hope preparations. I applaud those of you who are exceptions.

The most crucial preparation is, of course, to look beyond death and prepare to meet Father God himself. Most of us know how to present ourselves well for a job interview. Somewhere in our files, we have a resume showcasing our accomplishments, skill sets, and education as well as appropriate business attire in the back of the closet. Meeting Father God, however, requires a very different sort of inward preparation. To be cleansed thoroughly of our sin, 1 John 1:9 tells us we need to identify our sin issues, confess them, and ask God to forgive us. May I suggest that such a heart search be given more time than it takes to retrieve the elements at communion? If we feel distant from God, perhaps a fast and/or a personal retreat is in order? If we ask Him to search our hearts and reveal our sin to us, his Holy Spirit will do just that. In our self-examination and confession, we may realize the need to apologize to someone and/or right a broken relationship (Matthew 5:23-24). Honestly and prayerfully searching our own hearts periodically, and confessing whatever sin, disobedience, false belief, unbelief, fear, or wrong attitude the Holy Spirit may reveal to us is part of the Christian life. 1 John 1:9 assures us forgiveness of our sins IF we confess them. With clean hearts, perhaps we could then embrace the promises of God for eternal life, and courageously face our eventual deaths to create a Heritage of Hope for those we will leave behind?

LIFE-OR-DEATH QUESTION #3: ARE YOU AFRAID OF DEATH? Perhaps you are confident of Heaven being your destination, but death and dying still frighten you? Some suffer from disease before they leave us, but other folks die peacefully. I have witnessed this several times, and it is most reassuring to see a loved one slip into eternity. It is also very satisfying to witness conflicts and misunderstandings resolved or swept aside at the end of this life. But what about the suffering?

The impetus for and reasoning behind our Heritage of Hope Checklist is anticipating your moment of departure. When death looms large, we desire for you to know that Jesus awaits your arrival, and you’ve prepared yourself and those you love for your departure. Ask the Holy Spirit for assistance in facing your fears and making practical plans now while you are able. What comfort it will be for you and those you leave behind to know:

  • You’ve set your house in order (Isaiah 38:1).
  • You have a Medical Representative who is able to communicate your wishes regarding your care when you cannot.
  • Your financial affairs are in order, and your Executor or Successor Trustee knows your plans and how to accomplish them.
  • You’ve made final arrangements. Your testimony is ready for your memorial service.
  • You have created a support team who knows one another’s roles.
  • You’ve written letters to your special people assuring them of your love.
  • You are free to look beyond the challenging difficulties of this life to hope in your eternal life with Jesus. To help you anticipate the glory that awaits God’s sons and daughters, consider reading  Heaven and/or In Light of Eternity by Randy Alcorn.

We need not be afraid of death because Jesus conquered death when He rose from the tomb. The apostle Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 15: 54-58 that death has been defeated. For us who have invited Jesus to be our Savior and the Lord of our lives, death is the door through which we pass into eternity. Let’s lovingly and thoroughly prepare for this transition and reveal our HERITAGE OF HOPE.

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Isaiah 64:6 AMP For we all have become like one who is (ceremonially) unclean (like a leper), and all our deeds of righteousness are like filthy rags; we all wither and decay like a leaf, and our wickedness (our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing), like the wind, takes us away (carrying us far from God’s favor, toward destruction).
  • Luke 23:39-43 NLT One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
  • John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
  • Revelation 3:20 AMP Behold, I stand at the door and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.
  • Ephesians 1:13-14 MSG It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves HOME FREE—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This down payment from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
  • Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
  • 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  •  1 Corinthians 15:54-58 NLT  Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
  • Isaiah 38:1, II Kings 20:1 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus days the Lord: ‘ Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.'”