Even though there is no way to avoid death, many of us don’t like to think about it, let alone get ready for it. Yet, for all the everyday preparations we make, logistics we change, events, and schedules we organize weekly, shouldn’t we put some forethought into where we will spend eternity? One of the best explanations I have found on what Judgment Day will be like are the two following eternal questions provided in scripture, and presented in Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life:

“One day you will stand before God, and He will do an audit of your life, a final exam before you enter eternity. The Bible says, “Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God…. Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God” (Romans 14:10b). Fortunately, God wants us to pass this test, so He has given us the questions in advance.

1 – What did you do with My Son, Jesus Christ? God won’t ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust Him? (John 14:6).

2 – What did you do with what I gave you? What did you do with your life – all the gifts, talents, opportunities, energy, relationships, and resources God gave you? Did you spend them on yourself, or did you use them for the purposes God made for you?

The first question will determine where you spend eternity. The second question will determine what you do in eternity.”

These questions are a great starting point for discussing eternity today with friends.

I started my journey of discovering more about eternal life when I walked beside a family member for his last 40 weeks. My cousin Denny Pattyn desired to publish an end-of-life booklet so that everyone can KNOW for certain where they are going. His comments about eternity would roll off his tongue in a simple way, always backed by scripture, but without quoting scripture: “If you believe in your mind, say with your mouth that Jesus overcame death, you can say ‘I’m going to Heaven!’ If you declare Jesus is Lord and believe that He rose from the dead, you can say ‘I’m going to Heaven!”” (Denny’s version of Romans 10:9).

Denny had a simple and direct way of breaking into conversations that demanded your attention. “Hey, no one can escape death, you can eternally pay for it in Hell or accept the eternal payment made for us. We are all going to one place or the other.” If that didn’t get a response, he’d make sure you understood the gravity of this decision (Luke 16:23, Matthew 25:46, Revelation 21:8), and the ironclad way of knowing, typically poking at you using 1 John 5:10-13:

“Are you calling God a Liar?” (v10)
“There is no other way to eternal life (Heaven) except through the life of Jesus. He paid for your sins.” (v 11)
“You only have life through Christ.” (v 12), and Denny’s clutch verse: “You can know for certain that you are going to Heaven. You need to accept Jesus.” (v13)

That’s the answer key for passing the first Judgment Day question. Can you answer it definitively today?

Please pause and consider. You have an option. You can choose to not follow Jesus. Or you can push the decision aside, thinking you will have time to think about this later. Don’t procrastinate, scripture tells us “tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone” (Proverbs 27:1); and “Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover” (Isaiah 38:1). The Bible even shares a story from hell of someone who didn’t choose God. (Luke 16:19-31). The other option is that you can accept Jesus as your Savior. I ask that you explore the alternatives now, so you are ready to defend whatever your decision is on Judgment Day.

If you decide to follow God, the second question of “What did you do with what I gave you?” prompts us toward a new way of living. It is about removing our pride and our selfishness. It’s about surrendering our way to the plan God created for us. It’s about understanding that God is loaning us everything on earth. All is His, so how are we stewarding not only our possessions but our talents? The fruit of our actions is a strong indicator of whether we are living for self or for God. This is a powerful and counter-cultural concept. Save it as your screen saver, write it on your bathroom mirror, and use it as a lens to make everyday decisions.

My journey continues to evolve, but a few examples include: I talk and write about Jesus and faith far more often than in previous years, I am more generous with my earnings and have reduced my consumer purchases. I’ve spent more time on mission trips than I ever expected (and hope for more too). I recently started using my business skills to help incarcerated men and women find gainful employment, as well as a home, transportation, and to become reunited with their kids. Never in my wildest imagination would I have considered spending a day in prison – now I can check that box twice. Plus, I’ll be speaking at a men’s prison next month. Yes, I am a little frightened, but I know God needs someone there to hear what He is going to have me say. And I daydream about Heaven often. It is going to be AWESOME! .

In this new way of living, people reconsider what they treasure, and often times they realign where they spend their time, giftings, and resources (Matthew 6:19-24). There is a new understanding that the earth isn’t our home, but just a resting spot on the way to eternity. I recently learned of another aspect of Heaven that excites me: Relationships are eternal.

We can’t take our “stuff” with us, but our friends who are Believers will be there! Doesn’t that put a different perspective on who you spend time with? It gives me even more of a reason to spark the eternity conversation with friends and acquaintances. You can too! Thanks to Denny’s final project, I feel more equipped for these discussions and I hope by reading this you feel more equipped too. We can look forward to the day when we are together in Heaven, joining in God’s feast (Isaiah 25:6-12).

Let me share another bold thought. There are many Bible scholars predicting Jesus will return soon – some say it’s when the Bible is translated into all native tongues (Revelation 14:6). Others are predicting it’s in 2033, two millennia after His resurrection. Interestingly, 2033 is when the final Bible translations are projected, too. That is only nine years away. While no one knows the exact date of Jesus’ return, we are told to be ready.

Death of our earthly bodies is unavoidable, and eternity is offered to all who choose to believe. Jesus will return (Matthew 24:30-26). God is getting us ready. He is asking us to bring others to Him.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:39b-44).

Are you ready for your life audit?

As Denny would say, “What’s holding you up?” Time is short. Start the discussion. Share this blog with loved ones so they can be ready too.

Please pray with me: Thank You Lord for creating an eternal home for us. Thank You for sharing glimpses of it here on earth, and creating a longing in us to be there with You. I ask that this blog reaches the people You desperately want to come to the Salvation You offer. Let these words be clear and precise to their ears, so they understand the intensity and long-lasting decision they are making. I pray they decide to accept You and to live their final days giving the Glory to You! Your loving daughter. Amen.