How true. But as I drove past that particular church, seeing the sign, and knowing something of the doctrine of that particular denomination, I could only shake my head and say, “But they don’t really believe it.”

How could I possibly make that claim? Because their reference to “no one” is, at best, limited, and, at worst, conditional. No one applies only to those who are living in this world. Does God still love any who have rejected him? Sure, they say; God will continue to love them, up until they draw their last breath. But, what happens when they die with rejection still on their lips and unbelief still in their hearts?

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I’m using my imagination here.  So if you expect me to prove my points with scriptural references or quotes from respected Bible scholars, you will be disappointed.  If, however, you will join me in speculating on what might happen after death, you may be surprised how much God will use your own imagination as you focus on his love and your sanctification.

Rather than asking what happens after death, what if we considered what should happen after death.  I know, we must be careful not to act like little gods.  One ground rule should be that we are ever conscious of the fact that God is always present; therefore, we are imagining how He would orchestrate this journey that we’re on, especially that portion of the journey following our last breath in this mortal existence.

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I was on my way to work and listening to the radio.  I like to spin the dial, give each station a few minutes, regardless of whether it’s music, news or talk radio.  Or preaching.  If something in my variety show keeps my attention, I’ll stay with it until a station break, or until my attention dwindles.  Today it was preaching.

I don’t remember the speaker’s name, but he was one of the more popular ones, like Swindoll or Stanley.  I also noted that he was one of the more educated ones, a proven Biblical scholar, it seemed.  He was outlining the afterlife, heaven or hell, based upon one’s decision for Christ.  From my church background I know this means accepting God’s son as your personal savior, realizing that he died for our sins, and has gone before us to heaven to prepare a place for us.  Non-believers are destined for an eternity in hell.

That’s when it hit me.  How could intelligent men accept such statements, let alone teach them!

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