If you ask the average person if they know for sure what will happen to them when the die, most will answer that they don't. They may hope to go to heaven, but they don't know if they have done enough good in this life to merit it. They'll just trust that God is "good," and that He'll probably let them in.
The Bible gives us a way to know for sure -- instead of just guessing. It seems foolish to gamble with something as important as eternity, yet many people do it every day. Why not seek out what the Bible says so that you can know for sure that you will be in Heaven when you die?
(After all, if there's even one chance in a million that the Bible is right about the afterlife, doesn't it make sense to learn what it teaches?)
To someone who doesn't believe in the Bible, death is viewed as a terrible and tragic end -- something that is easier to ignore than to grapple with -- there is much fear and purposelessness and uncertainty that goes along with it. But to the follower of Jesus, death is the entry way into God's eternal plan -- not something to be feared at all. As the Apostle Paul says: "O death, where is thy sting?"
The Bible is clear about where people go when they die: to God's throne of judgment. Heaven is named as the destination of those who have honored God in their earthly life: a place of fulfillment, joy and purpose in the presence of God forever. On the other side, Hell is named as the fate for all those who follow the path of rebellion against God's authority. Those who live for themselves and refuse to humble themselves before God are separated from Him -- and no second chances are offered.
That leads most people to a very reasonable question: What do I have to make sure I to go to heaven?
Technically, there is nothing we can "do" to make ourselves worthy of God's presence forever -- not even elaborate religious ceremonies, lengthy prayers or sacrificial giving can buy the forgiveness of sins. We can't "do good" our way out of condemnation and judgment; instead, we have to ask God for mercy and then commit ourselves to honoring Him.
God is looking for a heart of faith and humility, not a list of reasons why He should "let you in."
After Jesus rose from the dead, His disciples went all over the world preaching a simple message -- repent before God and have faith in Jesus Christ. To repent means to walk away from everything that is evil, turning toward the purposeful life God describes in the Bible. Repentance is a turnaround.
Faith is throwing your entire trust, future, confidence, purpose, and allegiance to God -- believing in Jesus Christ to save your soul and take you to Heaven. Faith means that you believe in Jesus so strongly that you will obey His words, no matter what it may cost you.
Where will you go when you die?
You have a choice. If the Bible's explanation of the afterlife is true, God has made one way available for you to be forgiven. He's opened one door to Heaven. Will you accept His offer? Romans 6:23 says: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."
God wants to offer that life to you as a gift today.
He wants you to have the forgiveness of sins.
He wants you to fulfill His purpose for your life.
Since we humans can't see what's ahead until we get there, we must put our faith in something. Rather than trusting in yourself, or just hoping that things work out, why not put your faith in God?
He has commanded that you repent. He, the Creator of all, has a plan for your life -- but you must come to Him in humble faith, turning from your sin and surrendering yourself to follow His instructions.
Will you follow Him? Will you ask for His mercy?
Will you look into the teachings of Jesus further?
Important passages in the Bible to study as you consider this:
Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3, Romans 3
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