Pastor's article 08-10-25

Heaven is a real place!
Before discussing the existence of Heaven, let's clarify when we go there. Various Christian denominations have different views on this topic. Here are my thoughts, supported by verses from different Bible versions.
According to Luke 23:43, believers go directly to Paradise after death, as Jesus told the thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Scripture describes Heaven as a place where Jesus, angels, and sanctified believers are present—not waiting in graves, but already with God, anticipating others to join them.
However, do you realize that you were born headed for Hell? The truth, according to the Bible, is that Hell, not Heaven, is our default destination. Unless our sin problem is solved once and for all, we can’t enter Heaven. As soon as unsaved people die, they are judged and dispatched to Hell. Luke 16 offers a glimpse of life in Hell: The time came when the beggar (Lazarus, a believer) died, and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man (a non-believer) also died and was buried. He was sent to the place of death and was in great pain. He saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his arms. He called, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to me so that he can dip his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am suffering in this fire!” Friends, if that does not describe Hell, what does?
Possibly, the Biblical verses causing the most consternation are found in John 5:25-29. “Verily, verily I say unto you, the hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself, and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth—they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” This is what motivates me to proclaim the gospel and plead with people to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pastor,
Rev. Wayne Marcus