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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season in the Catholic Church, leading up to Easter. On this day, palm branches, which were used to celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, are burned to create ashes. These ashes are then applied to the forehead of believers in the shape of a cross as a symbol of repentance and mortality. As the ashes are applied, the minister says, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” echoing the words from Genesis 3:19 where God tells Adam, “For dust you are and to dust you will return.” This is a reminder of human frailty and our need for repentance.

However, many Christians wonder: Is Ash Wednesday scriptural?

Is Ash Wednesday Scriptural?

The answer is no. Ash Wednesday, as a specific practice, is not found in Scripture. There is no mention in the Bible of the Church observing Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, or using ashes in this ritualistic manner. While fasting and repentance are certainly biblical practices, Ash Wednesday itself is a tradition that developed later in Church history. It is a human-established custom, not a direct commandment from Scripture.

This is important because many people mistakenly view Ash Wednesday as a biblical requirement, believing that the ashes hold some sort of special spiritual significance or that observing this day is essential for spiritual growth. In reality, there is no scriptural mandate for Christians to observe Ash Wednesday. It is not a sin if a Christian chooses not to partake in it. Furthermore, the ashes themselves do not carry divine power.

The Real Requirements for Christians

What is truly essential for Christians is what is clearly laid out in the Bible, particularly in Acts 2:42, where the early Church is described as doing four key things:

1. Breaking Bread – Participating in the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing unity with Christ and one another.
2. Gathering Together – Coming together in fellowship for worship, teaching, and support.
3. Remaining in the Apostles’ Teaching – Committing to the study of God’s Word and following the teachings of the apostles.
4. Praying – Prayer is central to the Christian life, and fasting is often incorporated with prayer.

These four elements—worship, fellowship, discipleship, and prayer—are the foundational practices Christians are instructed to engage in. Fasting is indeed a biblical practice, but it is not tied to any specific day, such as Ash Wednesday, and should be done according to personal conviction and as led by the Holy Spirit.

What About Fasting During Lent?

Fasting, as part of the Lenten season, is a valuable spiritual discipline when done with the right heart. However, there is no biblical requirement to fast for 40 days before Easter. Fasting should not be viewed as a ritual or religious obligation but rather as a means of drawing closer to God through humility, prayer, and repentance. The key is intentionality—fasting should be done with sincerity, not just for tradition’s sake.

Conclusion: Focus on Spiritual Growth, Not Rituals

Ash Wednesday and other religious traditions, like Good Friday or specific holiday observances, may carry significant cultural or historical value. But Christians must be cautious not to elevate these practices to the level of biblical commands. True spirituality is not about ritualistic observance but about maintaining a relationship with God, rooted in prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and love for others.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to remain faithful to what is explicitly commanded in Scripture and to allow our spiritual practices to draw us closer to God, rather than simply following customs that have no basis in the Word of God.

May God bless you.

Maranatha!

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Is it right for Christians to celebrate Valentine’s Day—the so-called “day of love”?

According to historical records, Valentine (or Valentinus) was a Catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. This emperor, a pagan, enacted strict laws that prohibited Christians from practicing their faith freely. At one point, Claudius declared that all Roman soldiers should remain unmarried, believing that single men made better warriors—more focused and loyal to their duties.

Valentine, however, defied this imperial decree. Moved by compassion and conviction, he secretly performed Christian wedding ceremonies for soldiers. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested and sentenced to death.

While in prison, it is said that Valentine developed a close relationship with the blind daughter of the prison warden. According to legend, he prayed for her, and she miraculously regained her sight. On the day of his execution—February 14, 270 A.D.—he supposedly wrote her a farewell letter signed, “From your Valentine.”

Years later, this story inspired a cultural tradition where people exchange romantic cards and gifts on February 14th in the spirit of “Valentine’s love.” But what does this narrative have to do with Christianity or biblical faith? Very little, if anything.

There is no spiritual value in celebrating a man merely for sending a romantic note before his death. The narrative—while emotionally appealing—is not grounded in Scripture and has no eternal relevance. It is one of many man-made traditions that divert attention from true, godly love and feed worldly passions and immoral festivities.

What Is the True Day of Love for Believers?

True love is not reserved for a single day. For Christians, love is a lifestyle—expressed daily, unconditionally, and sacrificially. Genuine love is not driven by emotion or sensuality but by the Spirit of Christ who laid down His life for us. (1 John 4:7-10; John 15:13)

Valentine’s Day, on the other hand, has become a day globally associated with parties, drunkenness, immorality, and sensuality—things that the Bible clearly warns us against.

1 Peter 4:3 (NIV)
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”

This so-called “day of love” is now one of the most popular days for fornication, adultery, and ungodly entertainment. It’s not a day that people typically use to worship God or attend church—it’s a day the world celebrates pleasure and romantic infatuation.

So Should Christians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

The answer is no. Valentine’s Day is not a Christian holiday. It is rooted in secular tradition and increasingly promotes worldly values, not Christ-like love. It exalts emotional and physical desire over spiritual discipline and divine love.

Valentine did not die for the Church. He did not bear the sins of the world. He is not our Savior. So why would believers honor his memory with flowers, gifts, or emotional celebrations that resemble pagan rituals?

Instead of promoting “Valentine’s love,” we are called to proclaim the love of Christ—a love that saves, purifies, restores, and gives eternal life.

What Can We Learn as Believers?

1. Love is Daily, Not Annual

Biblical love doesn’t require a calendar reminder. It flows every day from a heart renewed by Christ. We must reject the idea that love needs a date to be special.

2. Promote Godly Love, Not Worldly Lust

Let us raise a standard of purity, especially for the younger generation. As believers, we must teach that love is not lust. Real love protects, honors, and waits—guided by the Spirit and rooted in truth.

3. Turn Valentine’s into Ministry

Instead of following worldly trends, believers can use February 14 as an opportunity to:

• Visit the sick or the lonely and show the love of Christ.
• Donate to orphans or those in need.
• Hold youth seminars or prayer gatherings about godly relationships.
• Share the gospel through cards or messages that proclaim Christ’s love.

Beloved, let us not be swept away by emotional trends or cultural waves. Let us stand firm in truth, discerning every celebration through the lens of Scripture. The love we are called to walk in is not a romantic story from Rome—it is the rugged, sacrificial, holy love of Christ at the cross.

Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Let us fix our eyes not on Valentine, but on Jesus, the true author of love.

May the Lord help us live in His love daily. Amen.

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Answer:
Eternal Security, also known as “Once saved, always saved,” is the belief that once a person is saved by faith in Jesus Christ, they can never lose their salvation, no matter what. It suggests that salvation is entirely God’s work, dependent on His grace, and not based on human actions. This belief holds that God will protect and keep the believer until the end of their life.

But is this idea supported by the Bible?

Yes, the Bible does confirm that once we are saved, we are promised eternal life with God. Scriptures like Ephesians 4:30, Romans 8:33-34, and Romans 8:38-39 tell us that once a person is saved, they are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. However, this promise of eternal security depends on continuing to live in God’s grace. If a person chooses to turn away from God, they can lose their salvation.

A good way to understand this is through an example: imagine holding a child’s hand and assuring them they won’t fall as long as they stay close to you. If the child decides to walk away from you and falls, can you be blamed? Similarly, while God promises to keep us, we must choose to remain in His grace. If we walk away from Him, we risk losing that security.

Spiritual Battles and the Need to Endure
Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian journey. Once we are saved, we enter into a spiritual battle. Satan will try to lead us away from our faith through trials, temptations, and struggles. If eternal security were guaranteed, there would be no need for Satan to fight against us. But because we have the free will to turn away, he works hard to make us fall.

The Apostle Paul, even though he was a servant of God and preached the gospel to many, feared that he could lose his salvation if he didn’t stay faithful:

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 – “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Paul understood that even he could fall away from the faith if he didn’t stay focused. He knew that salvation required constant effort and endurance.

The Danger of Complacency in Faith
There are many Christians today, including pastors and leaders, who think they are eternally secure, even though they continue to live in sin. They believe they are safe because they were once saved by grace, but they live without repentance, ignoring God’s commands.

Take Judas Iscariot as an example. Judas was chosen by Jesus and walked with Him for three and a half years. Yet, he betrayed Jesus and ended up in eternal destruction. If Judas, who was so close to Jesus, could fall away, then we must be careful not to think we are immune to falling away.

If you have been saved by grace but are now living in sin, making excuses for sinful behavior, the “eternal security” you once believed in is no longer certain. You cannot continue living in sin and expect God’s protection to remain.

The Call to Endure and Protect Your Salvation
The Bible calls us to diligently guard our salvation and stay faithful to God:

2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

In conclusion, eternal security doesn’t mean that once you are saved, you can live carelessly and still remain safe. You must value your salvation, live in God’s grace, and stay faithful to His will. If you do not remain in His grace, your salvation could be at risk. Let us all strive to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God’s guidance. The good way to put that sentense is “once saved forever saved, but also once saved forever following”

Be blessed.

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QUESTION: What is Christmas? Was Jesus really born on December 25? Is it right for Christians to celebrate Christmas?

Meaning of Christmas:

The word Christmas comes from two words: Christ and Mass, forming Christ-Mass — which refers to a religious service (Mass) in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. In short, it is a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Around the world, billions of Christians commemorate December 25th as the day Jesus was born. But was Jesus really born on that date? Let’s explore the matter from a biblical standpoint.

Does the Bible Mention December 25 as Jesus’ Birth Date?

No. The Bible does not provide a specific date or even the month of Jesus’ birth. Over the centuries, based on historical and biblical clues, various groups have suggested different months — including April, August, September, October, and December. December 25 eventually became the most widely accepted date, but it is not biblically confirmed.

Biblical Clues Suggesting Jesus Was Not Born in December:

One key clue is found in the story of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.

In Luke 1:5-9, Zechariah is described as a priest from the division of Abijah who was serving in the temple when the angel Gabriel appeared to him. To determine the time of this event, we must understand the priestly divisions mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:7-18.

Abijah’s division was the eighth of the 24 priestly orders. Each division served one week at a time, starting from the first month of the Jewish calendar (which begins around early April in our calendar). The eighth division would fall around the middle of the third month, which corresponds to mid-June.

Shortly after his temple service, Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth became pregnant with John the Baptist. Six months later, the angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26). This places Jesus’ conception around late December to early January.

Adding nine months for a full pregnancy would place Jesus’ birth around September or early October — during the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, a major Jewish celebration. This timing aligns well with biblical and historical context, making it highly likely that Jesus was not born in December.

Where Did the December 25 Date Come From?

The choice of December 25 as Jesus’ birth date likely originated from an effort by early Roman Christians to provide an alternative to pagan festivals held during the winter solstice. Specifically, it coincided with the birthday of the Roman sun god Mithras and other sun-related celebrations.

By choosing this date, early Christians aimed to redirect focus from idol worship to honoring the true “Light of the World” — Jesus Christ (John 8:12).

Is It Wrong for Christians to Celebrate Christmas on December 25?

The Bible does not command us to celebrate Jesus’ birth on any specific day — nor does it prohibit such a celebration. The apostle Paul addressed such matters in Romans 14:5-6:

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.”

As long as the celebration is dedicated to the Lord — with thanksgiving, worship, and reverence — it is not wrong. Whether you choose to honor the Lord on December 25 or any other day, it should be done from a pure heart.

However, if the day is used for ungodly behavior — drunkenness, idolatry, immorality, or materialism — then it becomes displeasing to God, no matter the intention.

The Real Question: Have You Received the Gift of Christ?

While it is good to reflect on Jesus’ birth, what matters most is whether Christ has been born in your heart. These are the last days, and all signs point to the soon return of our Lord Jesus.

Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38)? Have you received the gift of the Holy Spirit?

Now is the time to make things right with God — not just celebrate a date.

Conclusion:

Jesus was most likely not born on December 25, and the word “Christmas” itself is not found in the Bible. However, celebrating the birth of Jesus — with sincerity and reverence — is not sinful. What matters is the focus of your heart and the purpose of your worship.

If December 25 becomes a day for you to glorify God, reflect on the Savior, and spread the message of hope and salvation — then it becomes meaningful. But if it becomes a day of sin, self-indulgence, and worldliness — then it is better not to observe it at all.

The Lord bless you.

Feel free to share this message with others.

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You may have come across the name Jeshurun in the Old Testament and wondered—who is this person or group? Interestingly, Jeshurun is not an individual, but a poetic name for the nation of Israel, used to express endearment and divine favor. The name appears four times in the Hebrew Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 32:15
• Deuteronomy 33:5
• Deuteronomy 33:26
• Isaiah 44:2

The term Jeshurun is derived from the Hebrew word “Yeshurun” (יְשֻׁרוּן), which means “upright one.” It signifies how God intended Israel to live—upright, righteous, and set apart. However, in its most famous appearance in Deuteronomy 32:15, Jeshurun ironically does the opposite:

“Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, they became heavy and sleek. They abandoned the God who made them and rejected the Rock their Savior.”
(Deuteronomy 32:15, NIV)

This verse is part of the Song of Moses, a prophetic declaration given to Israel before Moses’ death. In this song, Moses warns the people that after experiencing God’s blessings in the Promised Land—prosperity, abundance, security—they would become complacent, forget God, and turn to idolatry.

Theological Significance:

Jeshurun represents a blessed people who fall into spiritual complacency. Though they were chosen and uplifted by God, they abandoned the very source of their salvation once they prospered. The song continues:

“They made him jealous with their foreign gods and angered him with their detestable idols. They sacrificed to false gods, which are not God—gods they had not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your ancestors did not fear.”
(Deuteronomy 32:16–17, NIV)

“You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.”
(Deuteronomy 32:18, NIV)

These verses underscore Israel’s unfaithfulness as spiritual adultery—a major theological theme throughout the Old Testament. God, portrayed as a faithful spouse or parent, is rejected in favor of newly invented or foreign deities. This failure wasn’t just historical—it reflected a spiritual principle: prosperity can lead to pride and spiritual forgetfulness.

Practical and Theological Lessons for Today:

Even today, many believers fervently seek God during hardship, but in times of ease and abundance, they begin to rely on their own strength or wealth. This mirrors Jeshurun’s story. The temptation of self-sufficiency is as real now as it was then. Jesus Himself emphasized this danger:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
(Mark 10:25, NIV)

This doesn’t mean riches are inherently sinful—but when blessings replace the Blesser in our hearts, we fall into the same trap as ancient Israel. The wise words of Agur in the book of Proverbs are especially relevant here:

“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
(Proverbs 30:8–9, NIV)

Conclusion:

The story of Jeshurun is a timeless reminder. God desires a relationship with us that is not dependent on our circumstances—whether we are in the wilderness or in the land of abundance. Let us not allow comfort, wealth, or worldly success to make us forget the Rock of our salvation.

Let us strive to live as true Yeshurun—upright ones who remember and honor God in both scarcity and plenty.

Stay rooted in Him. Be blessed.

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Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Welcome, and let’s take a moment to study God’s Word, which is the light to our path and the lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105). Today, we will briefly discuss tithing—what it is, why it’s important, and what the Bible says about it. According to the Bible, tithing is giving one-tenth (10%) of your income or earnings to God, and it is a form of offering.

Before we look at why we should tithe and whether it’s required or not, let’s first understand the history of tithing.

Tithing started with a man named Abraham, who is called the Father of Faith. We find this in Genesis 14:

Genesis 14:17-20 – “After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom came to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (the King’s Valley). Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

Here, Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek. Melchizedek is a figure of Christ—he had no known father or mother, no beginning or end, and is a priest forever, just like Christ. Abraham gave the tenth of his possessions as an act of gratitude and faith to God, recognizing that everything he had was a blessing from God.

At this time, there were no laws or commandments requiring Abraham to give a tenth. He gave it out of his own free will, moved by the Holy Spirit, because he recognized that God had blessed him.

Did the Law Require Tithing Later?

The law requiring tithing came much later, after the Israelites received the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. It became a requirement, and those who didn’t give tithes were considered to be sinning. This is mentioned in Malachi 3:8-9:

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me.”

But today, we don’t live under the Law but under faith—just like Abraham. We give not because we are commanded to, but because we have faith in God, and we give willingly. Abraham gave his tenth without being told to, as an act of faith and love for God.

Jesus as Melchizedek

The Bible also says that Jesus is our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek:

Hebrews 6:20 – “Jesus has entered on our behalf as a forerunner, becoming a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:1-3 – “Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, met Abraham as he was returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him. And Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.”

Since Jesus is our Melchizedek, we give our tithes to Him. Just like Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, we also give to Jesus, but not because of a law, but out of love and faith.

Should We Give to God?

Tithing is an act of worship and gratitude. It’s not about following laws or rules, but about recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Giving a tenth to God is a way to honor Him and show that we trust Him as our Provider. Jesus does not need our money, but He wants our hearts. He wants us to give because we love Him and because we recognize His work in our lives.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

This means that while tithing is important, there are other matters, like justice and mercy, that are more important. But tithing should still be practiced.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay Tithes?

The real issue is not about tithing itself, but about whether or not someone has Christ in their heart. If someone refuses to tithe, it may show that their heart is not aligned with God’s will, and they may not have the Holy Spirit living within them. A person filled with the Holy Spirit will naturally want to give to God and others because the Spirit moves them to do so.

Not paying tithes doesn’t send someone to hell, but it could reflect a lack of gratitude and faith in God. If a person struggles to give a tenth of their income, they might also struggle to give in other areas of their life, such as helping others or even living for God.

A person who refuses to tithe may have trouble serving God in other ways, such as preaching the Gospel or giving their life for the Kingdom of God. If they can’t even give a tenth of their income, how can they give their time, talents, or life?

Conclusion:

Tithing is not about following laws or being forced to give; it is about honoring God. We give to God because we recognize His provision and blessings in our lives. If you are not earning an income, you are not required to tithe. But if you receive any form of income, you should consider giving a tenth of it to God as an act of faith and gratitude.

In the end, if someone resists giving tithes, it could be a sign that they are not fully submitted to God and His will for their life. A true believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, will naturally want to give to God and others, as the Holy Spirit moves them to do so.

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The term “God” is derived from the concept of a “Creator” or “Maker.” By that logic, if a person creates a car, that person becomes the “god” of that car—its designer and origin.

Likewise, if a human being creates a car, then there must be a higher Being who created that human. That supreme Being is what we call “God of all gods.” He is the ultimate source, beyond human origin or understanding.

Just as a car cannot comprehend the life, origin, or essence of its creator, neither can we, as human beings, fully comprehend the One who created us. The car cannot know when or where its maker was born, or how they live—no matter how advanced the car might be. In the same way, human beings cannot fully analyze or define God. Trying to do so would only lead us to confusion, distance from the truth, or even spiritual loss—because God’s existence transcends our comprehension.

Who, Then, Is This God?

He is not a man, though He created man in His image. He exists in a higher, spiritual realm called Heaven. While He possesses attributes similar to ours—eyes, ears, a voice—He does not depend on anything to exist. Unlike us:

• He has a nose but does not need to breathe.

• He has eyes but doesn’t need light to see.

• He lives but does not need food or water to survive. Everything that sustains us was created by Him—but He Himself is sustained by nothing. He is the source of all life, intelligence, and existence.

This is why we cannot reduce God to human terms. He is not a product of our logic or science. Just as a robot cannot understand the full nature of its maker, we, too, cannot define or explain God in His fullness.

Yet despite this divine superiority…

God Did Not Create Us as Robots

God did not create us to function mechanically or blindly. He created us as His children—beings with choice, emotion, purpose, and the capacity to love and be loved. He longs for a relationship with us, one built on love, trust, and obedience.

He gave us principles—His divine laws—to guide us through life and lead us to peace, success, and eternal life. But knowing that human effort alone would not be enough, He made the greatest act of love:

He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to the world—so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus Christ—The Only Way to God

Jesus is not just a prophet, teacher, or moral figure—He is the Son of God, given all authority in heaven and on earth. He is the bridge between humanity and divinity. Without Him, there is no access to the Father.

John 14:6 – “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

No religious system, good works, or moral efforts can substitute the redemptive power of Jesus. He paid the price for our sins with His own blood, offering salvation freely to anyone who believes, repents, and follows Him.

The Condition: Faith, Repentance, and Holiness

It is not enough to just “know about” Jesus. One must:

• Believe in Him wholeheartedly.

• Repent of all known sins.

• Be washed clean through His blood.

• Live in holiness and obedience.

Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

The Choice Is Yours

Do you desire to see the Father in Heaven one day?

If yes—have you made the decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ? Have you surrendered your life, confessed your sins, and begun a journey of holiness?

If you have, then you carry the living hope of meeting God face to face. But if you reject or ignore this gift, the Bible clearly states that you will not see God.

May the Lord bless you and give you the wisdom to seek Him while He may be found.

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When a person dies suddenly, the moment they pass is followed by the arrival of angels sent by God to escort them to their eternal destination. If someone has lived a life of righteousness, trusting in Jesus Christ, and walking in obedience to His commands, angels will joyfully carry them to Heaven, often referred to as Paradise (Luke 23:43). Paradise, as described in Scripture, is a temporary resting place for the redeemed, where they await the final resurrection and reunion with their glorified bodies.

Jesus used the story of Lazarus and the rich man to give us insight into what happens after death:

Luke 16:22-23 – “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.”

Abraham’s side, or Abraham’s bosom, is another term used to describe Paradise. It’s a place of peace, comfort, and rest for those who have trusted in God’s salvation. Though not the final Heaven itself, it is a temporary resting place for believers, where they await the ultimate resurrection and glorification of their bodies.

The Resurrection of the Dead

On the day of the resurrection, all the righteous, both those who have died and those who are alive, will be transformed into glorified bodies. They will be united with Jesus Christ and ascend to Heaven, where they will partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb and spend eternity in the presence of God. This is the promise of eternal life—where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, and believers will see God face to face (Revelation 21:4).

What Happens to the Wicked After Death?

For those who reject Christ or live in unrepentant sin, the story is different. The moment of their death marks the beginning of eternal separation from God. As we see in Matthew 13:49-50:

Matthew 13:49-50 – “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, after the rich man died, he was taken to Hell (also known as Hades), a place of torment and separation from God. Hell is not the final destination for the wicked but a temporary holding place until the final judgment, when the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire, the second death (Revelation 20:14).

Luke 16:24-26 – “So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’”

The rich man’s story illustrates the torment and despair of Hell. While the righteous are comforted, the wicked experience an eternity of suffering. There is a great chasm between them that cannot be crossed, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the eternal separation that follows death.

The Final Judgment and the Lake of Fire

After the wicked have spent time in Hell, they will be resurrected to stand before God’s Great White Throne for the final judgment. Here, they will be judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-15). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, a place of unending torment. This is the ultimate destination for all who reject God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The Uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of Judgment

The Bible is clear: there is no second chance after death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” When we die, we will face God’s judgment immediately. There is no purgatory, no second opportunity to repent after death. Our eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death, and it is based on whether we have trusted in Jesus Christ during our lifetime.

What Happens to Us Before Death?

In the moments leading up to death, some people experience peace and comfort. Many report seeing angels or sensing their presence, while others experience distress and fear. These responses can be a reflection of the state of their souls. Those at peace may be comforted by the presence of angels, knowing they are about to meet their Lord. Those in distress, however, may be facing the agony of eternal separation from God.

Your Eternal Destiny

The Bible offers a clear message: choose Christ now. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Your eternal destiny depends on whether you place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior. The choice is yours, and the decision you make today will determine where you will spend eternity—either in the presence of God or in eternal separation from Him.

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

Before it’s too late, make the decision to surrender your life to Christ and secure your place in Heaven. The Bible teaches that through Jesus, we have forgiveness, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.

Choose Christ today, and secure your eternal destiny in Heaven. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

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