Do you wonder what will happen when you die? Perhaps you ask questions like: “Will I simply be put in a box and buried six feet underground waiting for my body to decay?” “Will I even be aware of what is happening?” Or, “will I be conscience of things going on around me?” “Will I actually go somewhere else?” Challenging questions for sure.
Death can be a fearful thing. Paralyzing really. If we were to dwell on it too long, we might find ourselves saddened about the loved ones we will miss or the dreams left unfulfilled. Many of us choose not even to think about it and when we do, we hope that we die suddenly or peacefully so we will not feel pain. But, one thing is inevitable: we will some day die. So, what comes next?
Many religions promise some type of future. Hinduism promises a cycle of birth and rebirth based upon your Karma that eventually leads to a state of nothingness. Buddhism promises enlightenment if we might rid ourselves of all desire – for personal well-being, for friendship, for love, etc. – the root of suffering. Islam promises a future for faithful men with the women of paradise if it is Allah’s will.
Jesus Christ promised something unlike Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam. His promise is for eternal life and it requires only one thing. In one of the most recognizable verses of the Bible, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Eternal life is something we do not deserve. We cannot earn it. But, it is not just going to happen either. Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
Believing in Jesus and knowing God is not simply an intellectual act, but also a behavioral one. He wants our lives to reflect God’s glory as His children (John 1:12-13). So, when we believe in Him, it changes us. And, what we believe about Him is important. Here are a few things Jesus said about Himself:
- He is the bread of life who sustains life (John 6:30-59)
- He is the light of the world (John 8:12-17)
- He is the “I am,” who has been from the beginning (John 8:58)
- He is the door of the sheep providing security (John 10:7-9)
- He is the good shepherd who gave his life for the sheep and cares for his flock (John 10:11-18)
- He and the Father are one (John 10:30)
- He is the resurrection and the life who ensures us of the future (John 11:25)
- He is the way, the truth, and the life for everyone who believes including those from Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim backgrounds (John 14:6)
- He is the true vine who provides joy to all who abide in him (John 15:1)
If you believe in Jesus and this is the eternal life you desire, simply ask God for it. You can speak with Him using your own words. He wants you to have eternal life. Jesus said, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).
If you would like to learn more about Jesus and eternal life, please contact us. We would love to share about the hope of eternal life.
Your New Life in Christ
If you do believe in Jesus and have received His gift of eternal life then He wants you to learn more about Him and what He has done for you so that you can also glorify God just as He did (John 17:4). Here are a few things that can help you in your new life in Christ:
- Begin to read or listen to a Bible. We suggest staring with the Gospel of John. John, who was one of Jesus’s first disciples, writes about Jesus in a clear and easy to read way.
- Learn more from the Bible about your new life in Christ. Click here for some studies that will help you discover what the Bible says about knowing Jesus.
- Find a local church to attend. We would be happy to help you find a church that teaches the Bible, worships God, fellowships and prays together, and tells others about Jesus. Just email us.
- Tell others about your new life in Christ. If it is helpful, you can share this website with friends and family.