Preparing for eternity (2)

We must be conscious that eternity will set in and heaven is real. Eternity is times and years without number. Eternity is a place where you enter into and there is no amendment of any kind. A day will come when each of us shall stand before God to give account of how we lived on earth.

In 1Peter 4:7, the Bible said that the end of all things is near, therefore, we have to be sober, watch and pray. Eternity is an endless time and it cannot be measured by time. This earthly life is so short, but eternity is forever. You are to determine where you will go when this life is over: eternal life in heaven or eternal punishment in hell? You must accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour if you want to spend eternity in heaven. The Bible says: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,” (Joshua 21:15).

How to live with eternity in view is to live our lives to please God. Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 encourages us to please the Lord in everything we do since our ultimate goal is heaven. You are to make it your personal goal to do what pleases the Lord. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we are to do it for the glory of God. There is no greater cause than to do what pleases God. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul gives us a reason as to why we should aim to please God always and at everywhere. He tells us that we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Yes, Christ is our Saviour and also our judge.

On the last day, God will assess our lives and pass judgment on the way we lived. There will be no plea bargains on that judgment day. And there will not be any question about what we have done, for He knows everything about us both the things we did in the open and in the secret. He knows our actions, motives and thoughts. God’s judgment will be thorough and fair. So, here is a strong motivation to live for Christ on earth. We are heading to a trial. We have a court date set when we shall appear before God to give account of how we spent our lives. Each of us will be judged according to our works.

Jesus is coming back and we must prepare for eternity. Death may come when you don’t know; so, prepare for eternity. If the church you belong to does not tell you about heaven and hell, go away from there because they are not telling you the truth. Solomon tested the world and satisfied his cravings, and at the end of the day, he declared that all things are vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Solomon went further to say, let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man,” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). When we pass on to eternity, books shall be opened and all secrets unknown to our husbands, wives and people will be revealed. Choose wisely, today, and choose eternity in heaven.

• Today’s nugget: Choose eternity in heaven. Prayer: Lord speak a word to my heart. Prayer lines: 08033299824. E-mail: [email protected]. Rev. (Dr.) Abel Ukachi Amadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria.