In a recent message, it was noted that we had a loved one who was very close to leaving this world. We received a text message; “(person) passed.” Two words to sum up a relationship that lasted over twenty years. Though we are sad that our loved one is no longer here, we are elated that she is now with the Savior, and she wouldn’t return here even if she could. The way this world is turning to the dark side more rapidly every day, it won’t be long before we’ll be joining her and all of our loved ones who are there very soon. Then, there’ll never be sad goodbyes again. (ESV – all emphasis mine)
Before anyone asks how we could possibly know that any of our loved ones who have gone on before us are with Jesus, we just go to the Holy Word that has been given to us by the Heavenly Father and apply His requirements to each one who has gone on ahead of us.
To be quite honest, there are some loved ones that only God knows if they were a part of our Savior’s flock or not. It’s not our place to judge, as only the Father knew the status of each one who passed on before us. However, as with our loved one who just left this sin-filled world, she lived her faith, and the ABCs of Romans 10:9-13 were obviously in her heart.
She admitted that as long as she was in human form, there would be sin, as given in Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, and Romans 6:23. She made it a point to talk to the Father often and asked His forgiveness for falling short (1 John 1:8-10).
Her belief was that Jesus was truly the Son of God, that He did come to this earth as a human, that He lived a sinless life here so that His blood sacrifice would be acceptable by the Father, and that He died on that cross at Calvary to be our free gift that allows us to receive and accept Him and to be with Him forever when we leave this earth. She totally believed that God raised Jesus from the dead to conquer sin and death once for all, and was absolutely ready for Him to take her Home.
We have no doubt that she called out to Jesus to come into her heart and be her Savior forever. She was not ashamed to be called a Christian and shared her love for the Savior whenever the occasion would arise.
The “materialistic” things of this earth held no real value for her. She often told the Father she was thankful that He had provided for her needs. Her biggest request of Him was that our Jesus would finally receive us up to meet Him in the air, as given in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. She eagerly listened for the Trumpet of God to sound and for the shout from an archangel to take place.
She lived her life according to Philippians 1:21-23; “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”
Though we know for certain she lived her life expecting the Rapture at any moment, we believe her going to Jesus through death fulfilled her expectations just as well. As long as she was able to go into the presence of the Lord, she was content that His will was done.
There is a song that was written by Kirk Talley in 1995 that fits her scenario very well. It’s titled “Serenaded By Angels.” Please consider the words of this beautiful message.
1.) She went to sleep one night, never to awake again. But everything was all right between her and Him. She awoke in Heaven’s courtyard, free from pain within. The angels gathered around her and took her by the hand.
Ref.) Serenaded by angels, up to the throne. Surrounded by angels, finally at Home. Surrounded by praises to the King; Welcome to Paradise, the angels did sing.
2.) Now I close my eyes at night and try to imagine that city of brilliant light waiting for me. But my mind cannot conceive, so I’ll continue to dream till I’m transported there, then I will be… (refx2)
Welcome to paradise, the angel did sing!”
As a tribute to this wonderful lady, I know she would appreciate an “altar call” for any who have not yet received and accepted the Savior’s free gift of Salvation. The Father will force no one to take this gift, but for all who truly choose to do so, they will be saved. Each and every person must choose for themselves.
The ABCs of Salvation have already been given above, but what happens to all who will not call out to be saved? For all who, from creation to Calvary, died out of the will of the Father, and all from Calvary to the end of this earth who would not receive and accept Jesus as Savior, there is only one outcome. Revelation 20:11-15 speaks of the great white throne judgment, and this is for all who fall into the above categories, and there is only one final solution.
This judgment is not to see who is saved or who is lost, as everyone there will be condemned to the lake of fire. The degree of their punishment is what will be determined at this terrible event. It would stand to reason that Satan will undoubtedly receive the harshest sentence of all. According to Revelation 20:10, he will be cast into the lake of fire that was specifically made for him and his demons, or fallen angels (Matthew 25:41), just prior to the judgment at the great white throne. His ultimate antichrist and false prophet will have been there for a thousand years already before anyone else, as given in Revelation 19:20. The lake of fire, or hell, will be in total darkness.
The light will be in Heaven and will be given through the Glory of God and the Lamp of the Lamb (Revelation 21:22). There will never be any night there.
There will be no death there, no illness, no handicaps, or anything else negative that we will have to endure. All of us will have the mindset of the Savior, and there will be no temptation to sin again.
Your eternal outcome is your choice. God doesn’t send anyone to the lake of fire, but for those who have chosen it, He will honor their choice. He truly wants no one to fail (2 Peter 3:9) and would hope that all would repent and be saved. However, as noted by Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14, more will enter into eternal damnation than will enter into eternal glory with Him.
Today would not be too early to call on Him. Our loved one did not know the day or hour that she would depart from here, but she was ready all the same. No one is guaranteed another day, but we are guaranteed we will leave this earth someday, either by death or by Rapture.
Jesus will take your call at any hour of any day. The best decision would be to make your reservation today.
Shalom! Peace and Blessings!
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