Eternal Destinies

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
Luke 16:22–23
Every one of the more than seven billion people living on earth today has an eternal destiny that awaits them. This life is just a brief interlude that passes by very quickly. And it is only during this life that the choice can be made that determines whether eternity will be spent in Heaven or Hell. The culture surrounding us treats truth as relative, and does everything it can to ignore the truth of the coming judgment. But refusal to believe it does not change the truth. Lazarus was immediately taken up, and the rich man was immediately sent down. Those are the only two options—there is no intermediate state or Purgatory. There is no “soul sleep” or annihilation. Every person will consciously either endure torment or enjoy blessing for eternity.
That truth should be constantly on our minds. Each person we meet is headed toward eternity, and since life tomorrow is not promised to any of us, we need to be serious in our efforts to sound the warning while there is still time. Heaven and Hell are real places, and if we grasp the severity of the consequences of failing to accept Christ as Saviour, we will be diligent in our efforts to win the lost. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences” (2 Corinthians 5:11). There are many things that are good and valuable and even important, but salvation is the one critical decision that every person needs to make before it is too late.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Do not let today end without speaking to someone about their salvation and the truth of eternity.

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This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:  I have set my bow in the cloud.  --Genesis 9:12-13 There’s something beautiful about a perfect rainbow stretching across the morning sky, greeting you with bright colors. But did you realize that it takes a storm as well as sunshine to bring about a rainbow? That’s why I think a rainbow is a perfect picture of our lives. In order for something beautiful and wonderful to happen, we must go through the storm before we can come out the other end into the sunshine! The rainbow was a promise from God that the storms would never destroy His creation again.  And He makes you the same promise personally!  The rainbow is God’s assurance to you of His goodness and faithfulness. And please notice that the rainbow is not a one-time promise, but a promise “for all future generations.” I hope that every time you see a rainbow you think of God’s never failing grace and forgiveness, and His constant presence with you. In fact, the next time you see a rainbow, stop right there and thank God for His eternal faithfulness and goodness. And remember that you too can produce beautiful results if you look for God’s sunshine through the storm! The rainbow is a promise of God’s faithfulness and abiding presence for every generation.