Question: What Happens After We Die on Earth?

                         QUESTION: WHAT HAPPENS                                                  

AFTER WE DIE ON EARTH?

George Barna is founder and president of the Barna Research Group, a marketing research firm in Ventura California. He has been named among the most influential Christian leaders in the nation.

I found this story in one of his books. (He is a best selling author of more than 30 books).

THE STORY IS TOLD of an encounter with the devil. Satan entered the home of a man, sat down on his couch, leaned forward with a big smile, and made his pitch.

"I'd like you to sell me your soul."

The man's eyes narrowed as he sized up the devil. "What are you prepared to offer?"

Still smiling, the evil one replied, "In exchange for your soul, I'll give you all the money you could ever want plus fame, power, and respect."

The man sat back in his chair and pondered the offer for several minutes. Finally he muttered out loud, "Hmmm, there must be a catch."

I make bold to speak like this, but that man, along with millions of Americans, and most Christians today truly has no clue. The exchange summarizes the relative unimportance many people attach to their spiritual essence. Millions do not understand the existence and workings of evil, grace, salvation, the soul, Heaven, and Hell. Displaying typical American optimism, we assume that if we mean well and try hard, everything will work out for the best. Barna says, “our national surveys consistently identify a paradox. On the one hand, most people have not confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. On the other hand, more than nine out of ten adults believe that when they die they will experience eternal life. Of course, this is a contradiction only if you possess a biblical worldview. Otherwise, that pair of perspectives seem to fit together as naturally as eggs and bacon.”

Scripture asserts that your soul is the most important aspect of your existence because it is eternal and its vitality is directly related to your experience with God.

(See Matt. 16:26)

You engage in thinking, speaking, and behaving through your physical being, but the final effect is experienced by your soul. Therefore, how you express interest in and commitment to loving and obeying God will determine your soul’s ultimate outcome. (See Proverbs 24:12, Matt.10:28, Isaiah55:3).

After you die, your soul will continue to exist in the eternal state. What can you do to prepare your soul for a positive eternal experience?

I again remind you: fervent study and religious discussion honors God.

                                                                                                                         Al