A 19th century French poet is credited with saying: “The only certainty is death.” This statement couldn’t be more true! Part of the human condition is the fact that our life on this earth is temporary. So what happens after we die?

The good news is that the Bible clearly gives the answer to that question! The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” God teaches us in the Bible that after we die, we will give an account of our life…that is what Hebrews means by “the judgment.” Jesus explained how detailed this will be: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Think about that, every word we have every spoken will be part of what we have to answer for. So how does God judge us when this happens?

The most quoted verse in the Bible, John 3:16, answers that question. Let’s unpack the verse phrase by phrase to understand God’s answer.

“For God so loved the world” – God loves YOU. You might think you have done too many wrong things for a sinless God to love you, but Romans 5:6-10 says that God showed us the highest form of love while we were at our worst. When Jesus was on the earth, the religious leaders tried to attack Jesus’ character by calling him, “a friend of sinners.” Friend, it doesn’t matter what you have done, God loves YOU!

“that he gave his only begotten Son” – the result of this unconditional love was that God the Father gave Jesus to take our punishment for us.

“that whosoever believeth in him should not perish” – God tells us that if we respond correctly to what Christ did for us, we will not perish (die). But if death is certain, then what death is Jesus saving us from? Revelation 20:14 explains that there are two deaths. The first death is the inevitable one that happens to all of us. When God judges our lives after this first death, if we are declared guilty at this judgment, being thrown into Hell is called the second death. BUT, John 3:16 says that if we believe in Jesus, we don’t have to die a second time!

“but have everlasting life.” – Everlasting life / salvation you can’t lose / forever in Heaven……whatever you want to call it, it can be yours right now!!! Romans chapter 3 explains that every single person has sinned. We will all be convicted fairly when our entire life is judged by God because of this sin. We have already seen that the result of sin is the second death of being thrown into Hell forever. BUT God loved us, and because He doesn’t want to see a single person sent to Hell, He sent Jesus to suffer our punishment in our place so we don’t have to. Right now, you are faced with a choice: do you want to live your life, die, and face judgment for your sin…..or do you want to accept Jesus’ payment for your sin, die, and spend forever with God because your sin is forever forgiven?

Friend, you are now faced with a choice: do you want to continue to live your life and give an account for it after you die, or do you want to allow Jesus to be your substitute and have everlasting life instead of the second death?

If you want to accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation, it’s quite easy. Romans 10:9-13 explains that anyone can get saved! All you need to do is believe that Jesus is God who rose from the dead after He died on the cross for our sin, and then ask him to save you from your sin. If you would like to do that, pray to God with a prayer like this:

Dear Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner and that I deserve Hell. I am now accepting Your gift of salvation. Please save me from my sins and be my Savior. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer or if you have questions, please email me at: gardners2uganda@gmail.com