Eternity

This morning in church the pastor who was bring the sermon talked about the importance of making sure we knew Christ. He gave the example of a young man he knew in high school. On a Friday, he and this friend say "Goodbye" to one another, ending with the promise: "See you on Monday." When he got to school on Monday, he learned that his friend had been tragically killed in a car accident that weekend. Death came suddenly and without warning to his friend.
Yesterday, I visited my Grandparents graves in Lampasas, Texas. I always go there around the anniversary of their deaths and birthdays. They were very special people to me and I miss them dearly. As I wander through the cemetery, I see many grave markers of people who had lived in that area. Many have lived very long, and hopefully happy and productive lives. Many lived into their 70s, 80s, 90s and some even  reached the century mark. But there are many who never reached their teens or 20s. Their lives were cut short by illness, car accidents, or some other cause of death. One young lady was taken tragically by a train accident at the age of 15. One died of leukemia at the age of 10.
The point is that none of us know when we will pass from this world into eternity. We assume we will live a long life, but the truth is that God may allow us to meet him face to face at any time.
The question is: are we ready to meet Him face to face? Have we prepared to slip into eternity?

While death is certain, where we spend eternity is up to us. We have a choice in the matter!

Jesus said in perhaps the most famous verse in the world; For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB.
One of the most important words in this verse is believe. What does is mean to believe in Him?
I think William Barclay explains this best.
To believe means at least 3 things.
1. We believe that Jesus is who He said He was. The Son of God. Not just a good man; not just a great teacher; not just a miracle worker; but that He is the Son of God! I remember a pastor telling me when I was young that Jesus was either the Son of God or He was a very deluded man. As I study the Bible more and more I realize the pastor was correct! Jesus made some incredible claims and He was either entirely off His rocker or He truly was the Son of God. To believe in Him means that we believe He was the Son of God as He said.

2. We believe that what Jesus said about God is true. If Jesus was the Son of God then He would know about God more than any human would! Therefore, when He tells us about God and His love for us, we can trust Him. He knows because He knew God on an intimate basis and could show and tell us what God is like. Jesus said in John 14:9: "He who has seen Me has seen the Father..."

3.  But we must put action to our beliefs. To believe means that we obey what Christ tells us to do. James tells us: "you believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. "James  2:19. Even the demons know about God. They "believe" in Him but they are not obedient to what He tells us to do. Our actions must follow our beliefs. To belive is not just an intellectual acknowledgement, but is played out in our everyday lives in which we choose to be obedient to His commands. When He tells us to love our enemies, we must do so. When He tells us to live by faith, we strive to follow Him, not by sight , but by faith. When He tells us to live a life of sacrifice for Him and for others, we do our best to place Him and others before ourselves. Yes, we will fail miserably at times, but that is what His grace is for. 

So, do you believe? Are you ready for eternity? It can come at any time! If you are not ready, then I want to encourage you to ask Christ to come into your heart. Choose to believe in Him, and then follow Him with your heart and your life. Then, you will ready for eternity!