Where Are You Going? How Will You Get There?
Two questions head this week’s article. Both are important as each of us are going somewhere, and each has to determine how each will make our way to our destination. This applies in both realms, physical and spiritual. When it comes to the physical realm, where one is going depends on what one wishes to accomplish. For example, if one wants to purchase groceries, they will want to go where groceries are sold. However, the way in which they journey to the grocery store matters little. They may drive a car, walk, or they might even use public transportation.
If one is seeking an education, they likely “go to school” in some form. The means of conveyance to school rarely impacts the course of study. If the distance is not too far, a bike or walking will get one to the destination. The desired objective can be reached and the intended result achieved. Of course, in both of these secular scenarios, and many others which might be considered, a number of different means might be utilized to transport one to and fro that they might accomplish that which they set out to do.
In every physical endeavor, an end result is perceived and a way in which to achieve that outcome is considered. This life is when we are given options and choices. We must choose where we are going and how we intend to get there, or else we simply “drift through life” and take what comes. If we do this, we have no idea where we are headed; no direction in life. Many seem to do this, yet often complain when things ‘turn out’ not to their liking.
Sometimes, it is necessary to consult a map or ask directions, or in this “modern age” to tune their GPS to a certain destination. This is especially true when one has not made a previous journey to a particular place. In such a case, one may know ‘where they want to go’, but aren’t sure how to get there. The failure to seek the proper guidance results in one becoming lost or the wasting of much time.
Sadly, as many consider what’s after this life, they have determined where they would like to go, yet aren’t making adequate preparations so that they can get there. The obvious preferred destination for the “afterlife” is heaven. This is known from 1Pet. 1:4. Of course, this was written to Christians, those who have heeded direction from the Word of God and had laid hold on the “lively hope” by the resurrection of Christ from the dead. They were looking forward-“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”.
I don’t think any desire the fate of the “rich man of Luke chapter 16. He and Lazarus were Jews, under the same Law, having the same opportunity of obedience or disobedience to God. Both of them, as all who live, had a destination after death. Yet, each didn’t go to the same place because each made different preparation. We also know that none go directly to heaven upon dying, as 1John 5:7 points out. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. Therefore, God has provided a temporary destination for the departed souls, depending on how they lived their lives on earth.
This is additionally supported in 1Thess. 4:13-17, as the Spirit had Paul comfort these brethren regarding “them which are asleep”. He tells them that when Christ returns, He will bring those “which sleep in Jesus” with Him. Will He take them from heaven, to ‘make a trip’ to the world that is about to be destroyed? I think not. He’ll retrieve these souls from Paradise as He comes to receive the ‘saints’ that remain until His coming. This passage also informs that “we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.”. The 16th verse says that the “dead in Christ shall rise first”. Rise from where? The temporary abode of the righteous soul that had completed it’s earthly time. The 17th verse tells us that the faithful Christian will meet the previously departed faithful “in the clouds” and “so shall we ever be with the Lord.”. There is no need to be ignorant of this as God’s Word provides all the instruction and direction we need.
Luke 16:22-23 provides inspired description of both these destinations. The rich man was in the “Torment” part of the “Hadean” realm where the wicked abide. Lazarus was comforted in “Abraham’s bosom” which is “Paradise”, the temporary home of the faithful. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Each of these places are like unto where each of these souls will spend eternity. To which of these do you desire to go?
2Cor. 5:10 was written to the ‘faithful Christians’ at Corinth, proving that each has a choice in “where they go” for eternity. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Everyone has been given time to make their choice. How will they get there? Each will arrive at their eternity based on their choice to believe and obey God’s Word, or to reject it. Choose wisely. Your soul’s eternal destination depends on it.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
