We get surprised when things come upon us unexpectedly. Many things that occur in our lives come without warning. Sometimes things like sickness, bills and family crises just cannot be anticipated. Even our own death can come by surprise. What comes after death, however, is something that does not need to be a surprise for anyone. It is not God’s desire that you be surprised after you die. He tells us in the Bible that every one of us will live somewhere forever. To be prepared for life after death, we must first examine what we believe about this matter in the light of God’s word. Do you think a person stops existing after death? Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The word “after” tells us that life does not end with death. No matter what you think will happen when you die, God says that His judgment will follow. If you are anticipating “nothing” after death, you will be surprised! Do you think God would never send you to hell? Psalm 5:4 says, “Thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with Thee.” Because God is holy, He must punish sin. Sin cannot be where God is. We are all sinners. If a person’s sin is not cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, God must send him to hell: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). If you think no one goes to hell, you will be surprised! Do you think being good will get you to heaven? Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses [good deeds] are as filthy rags.” Being a good person is not enough to make us acceptable to God. We are still filthy sinners. In God’s eyes, “There is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Romans 3:12). Sin means “missing the mark.” We have all missed God’s mark even though we may do many good things. If you think a person’s goodness gets him to heaven, you will be surprised! Do you think hell will be just a big party? Matthew 13:50 says that the wicked will be cast “into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” A furnace of fire, wailing, and gnashing of teeth do not paint the picture of a party atmosphere. In reality, hell will be filled with only suffering and anguish. Luke 16:22-23 tells of a man who “died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments.” If you think there will be any pleasure in hell, you will be surprised! Do you put off thinking about death and eternity, hoping it will just “turn out well”? John 3:18 says, “He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” The person who has not trusted in Jesus Christ is in peril of eternal condemnation already! “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). These matters are too important to leave unconsidered. Jesus Christ shed His blood and died on the cross to pay the punishment that you deserve. The resurrection of Christ is proof that God accepted His payment for sin. If you do not receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will be surprised! If you have never responded to God’s offer of salvation, call out to the Lord Jesus Christ to save you now. Come to Him as a needy sinner and put your faith and trust in Him today. He will save you by His amazing grace! You might express your heart to God in a prayer like this: “Dear God, I realize that I am a sinner and I deserve your judgment. I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. I trust Him alone for my salvation.” If you have turned to God in repentance and put your trust in Jesus Christ, the Bible says you are now a child of God (John 1:12), saved (Romans 10:9), and have eternal life (John 10:28). Because God says so, you are now ready for what comes after death. You will not be surprised! —Steven Lyon
