For the Egyptians the path to eternal life was fraught with dangers, demons, and false trails. One must be well prepared. The Book of the Dead provided instructions, tips, and incantations for the soul on their journey to the underworld. The book was often excerpted on coffins and tombs, or the complete scrolls might be placed in the tomb. The last ordeal on the path to eternity was the weighing of the deceased's heart. This would determine their fitness for joining the land of the gods. Applicants who passed were welcomed by Osiris; a too-heavy heart laden with evil was devoured by a monster and the spirit banished into darkness. Christian faith of course sees death very differently. The path to eternal life is not fraught with danger, but has been made simple and open by Christ. And while our hearts may be weighed, it is not the degree of evil found within them that will matter but the presence of faith in Christ, who forgives all our sin and welcomes us into his presence.  There are basically three un-Biblical views of the afterlife:

1) REINCARNATION is the belief you have lived many previous lives and after you die you will return in another life form. If you have lived a good life, you come back as a higher life form, but if you haven’t, you will be reborn as a bug or snake. Reincarnation is embraced by the Eastern Religions and the New Age Religion in America.

(2) ANNIHILATION is the belief you cease to exist when you die–you are simply annihilated. The word comes from the Latin word nihil meaning “nothing.” Death is the end of everything; it leads to utter nothingness. This is basically the belief held by atheists and agnostics. Sometimes this belief leads to the idea, “this life is all there is, so you might as well have as much fun as you can.”

(3) UNIVERSALISM is the belief that all people will be “universally restored” after they die. In other words, it teaches that everyone, regardless of how they lived their lives on earth will eventually end up redeemed in heaven. Universalism is embraced by some who call themselves Christians such as the Unity School of Christianity and the Unitarians. These three views are contrary to what the Bible teaches about the afterlife. According to the Scripture there are only two destinations after we die Heaven or Hell. What is the difference between some people who go to heaven and those who go to hell? Two important words: FAITH and FORGIVENESS. These people didn’t just believe in God, they believed God, they trusted Him. As a result of their simple faith, God forgave their sins and trespasses.

Do you know Jesus Christ? I’m not asking if you are religious, or if you go to church, or give money for God’s work. Do you know Jesus? Is He real to you? Do you know for certain that you have eternal life and that you will go to heaven when you die? Don’t say, “I think so,” or “I hope so.” The Bible says you can know for certain you have eternal life. If you would like to place your faith in Jesus Christ you can do it right now. You have to admit you are a sinner and you’ll never be good enough to earn God’s mercy and favor. You must turn from your sins and place your faith in Jesus and make Him the Lord of your life.

Praying a prayer doesn’t save you, but sometimes faith can best be expressed in a prayer. I invite you to pray this prayer to receive Jesus as your personal Lord: