“God’s Word offers us the most accurate information to prepare us for the life beyond.” —Charles R. Swindoll

Death. The topic is strewn with the litter of fear, ignorance, denial, and superstition. For many, death is viewed as an unsolvable mystery, a vague departure from this life that leaves those who remain disillusioned and confused. Others hold erroneous beliefs about death, including soul sleep, reincarnation, and the possibility of making contact with the spirits of the departed. For most, it’s one of those socially unacceptable subjects—something nobody wants to discuss. Therefore, it surprises many that the Bible—like no other book—faces death head-on. It offers reliable, God-inspired information that answers most of our questions and calms our fears. In fact, the Bible not only addresses heaven, the death-related subject everybody wonders about; it also speaks openly and authoritatively about the death-related subject most choose to deny altogether: hell. During His earthly life and ministry, Jesus taught clearly about both heaven and hell. In Luke 16:19-31 He brought both to the surface in an amazing story we cannot forget.

Once we understand that sin and death have been companions since they entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, we can then begin to see the different destinations of those who believe versus those who do not. At death, bodies of believers and non-believers alike separate from our souls. While our bodies go into the ground until the resurrection, our souls go to dwell in a place of comfort and paradise (for believers) or a place of torment (for non-believers).

Three significant lessons arise from the study of the story found in Luke 16:19-31.

First, God’s written Word is the most important evidence a person on earth can examine. Nothing beats the Bible in lighting the way to the Lord—not supernatural occurrences, not miracles, and not visions.

Second, God’s written Word is the most compelling information to prepare us for the life beyond. Seeing miracles might excite the senses and get the adrenaline pumping. But these don’t often penetrate deep within the heart, and they won’t often drive us to repent of our sin. God’s Word does just that.

Third, the person who ignores the Word of God in life will be rejected by the God of the Word in eternity. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Will you follow Jesus Christ in faith today? 

“What If You Were to Die Tonight?” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series What If...? You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.