Sooner or later everyone thinks about death and dying whether religious or not. The passing of a relative, friend, employee, boss, sports figure, or movie star brings awareness and a cause for reflection on their life as you knew it. But there is also another thought that arises in your mind, "But what about ME?" I am destined to die also - - someday. It is a scientific fact that 100% of all people, animals, birds, and fish do not escape this fate.
Then there is religion. Seems like there is one of every kind. If you can think of it, there is a religion out there just your size to accommodate your needs and your desires. The religious choices available to you lie somewhere between joining a monastery, becoming Jewish, becoming mormon, joining a local Church, send "seed faith" cash to that TV preacher, or just say "NO" to the devil...
After all, you have a job, have a family, have other time consuming responsibilities, have hobbies, have friends. Just don't have time to become a Monk. What to do - - -
Well, so far you have made some provision for the inevitable. You have medical insurance, life insurance, and perhaps purchased a cemetery plot. At least your loved ones can get along in your absence...
But still, what happens after death?
Logic says there are two options to consider:
If you choose Option 1, then you must concede that your existence was merely happen stance. Life and its experiences whether good or bad just happened by the luck of the draw. Your hopes, dreams, and plans will simply vanish when that final day comes. Looking back on your life, you should have made more money, had more fun, and enjoyed more leisure time. Life was like a fully ripe sweet orange on a tree. You should have squeezed it harder until you got the very last drop out of it. After all, what is left of that orange is for someone else to enjoy.
Option 1 is not viable for two reasons. First, it goes against your own human nature, for God says - -
Ecclesiastes 3:11
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also,
He has put Eternity in their Hearts,
except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
God says your lying to yourself if you choose this Option ...
Also, God says - - -Psalms 14
1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." ...
God declares your future to you if you choose this one ...
Secondly, God has declared you a fool for choosing this option. (Also, the word "fool" is synonomous with one who is lost, who is wicked - destined for "eternal" punishment) Clearly, Option 1 is not a good choice if you are wise.
Well, if Option 2 is selected, then perhaps some preparation is required. After all, everything else in life requires preparation in order to suceed or to accomplish something worthwhile. So the question is, if there is a here-after and if my life will continue on forever, then - - -
John 3
14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have EVERLASTING LIFE.
Well, that's great and have heard it many times, but before I decide to bet my eternal future with Jesus and choose Christianity, why choose Him? - Why choose Christianity? After all, there are many religions in the world to choose from.