Is there life after death? Why is there so much grief when a loved one passes away? One thing we know for sure. There is no turning back from the grave. Once gone, you are gone.
Many people today live as though this life is all there is. They say, “When you die, you decompose. So enjoy life while you can. Eat, drink, and be merry—you only live once.”
Others remain unsure—“Maybe there’s something after death, maybe not. Nobody knows for sure.” If that were true, then what would be the point of religion, morality, or even faith? Why deny yourself anything at all?
Despite the uncertainty and unbelief, people still like to think that their loved ones are in “heaven”. I am yet to hear any eulogy that vividly described the wickedness of a person. They were all good people apparently.
But if there really is life after death—if heaven and hell are real—then everything changes. Every choice, every action, every rejection or acceptance of truth in this life has eternal consequences. Death isn’t the end; it’s the doorway to what comes next. The real question is: Where does that doorway lead for you?
While I was a Hindu before learning the truth about God, these very questions bothered me. I lived in a state of suppressed fear and would rather push these thoughts aside than wrestle with them. Sadly many of my family members are still Hindus by faith, and do not wish to address these questions. Some are convinced that there is nothing after death, while some others are unsure and do not want to think about it. Yet, they religiously go to temples, perform rituals and live in fear of not doing so, should something bad happen.
Hebrews 9:27–28 (NIV) – “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”
The Bible is clear—every human being will stand before God one day, accountable for their life. On our own, none of us qualify to enter heaven. Sin disqualifies us. Yet God, in His love, sent Jesus Christ, the Savior, who took upon Himself our punishment on the cross. Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness, peace, and the assurance of eternal life.
Picture a house engulfed in flames, with a family trapped inside. The smoke thickens, the heat rises, and time is running out. A firefighter breaks through the door, stretches out his hand, and shouts, “Come with me! I’ll get you out!”
Now imagine one of the victims shaking his head and saying, “No thanks, I’ll find my own way out. I don’t need your help.” What would happen? The refusal would lead to death, not rescue.
That’s exactly how it is with Christ. He is the Rescuer. He came into our burning world to save us from our sure destination to hell. To ignore His outstretched hand is to choose disaster. But to take His hand, to trust Him, is to be carried out of judgment into eternal life.
Friend, if death is only a doorway, then what lies beyond that doorway matters more than anything else in this life. If you’ve never believed in Jesus, today is the day. Don’t gamble with eternity. Don’t turn away from the only Savior who can rescue you.
Place your faith in Christ. Embrace the gospel. Be saved. Then live this life—not just for yourself—but as a disciple who points others to the hope and assurance of life after death.