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John 5:28-29, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the 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”
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A father and his beloved son were reading epitaphs on some of the gravestones in the towns’ cemetery. Every inscription seemed to indicate that the deceased person was in a state of bliss. After awhile, the little boy asked, “Dad, where are all the evil people buried?” My friend, in spite of the impression one might receive from the engravings on the headstones, not everyone who dies goes to heaven. Jesus made that very clear because He said that “all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).
You may ask what makes the difference in the two resurrections. Jesus said, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). Those individuals who acknowledge their sinfulness, recognize their inability to save themselves, and place their trust in Jesus Christ are saved and go to heaven. However, those individuals who continue to reject Him are lost and go to that place “prepared for the devil and his angels” found in Matthew 25:41. My friend, if you have never admitted your sin and helplessness to save yourself, ask Jesus Christ to save you today. Above all make certain that your destination is heaven. The sinner has only two options: to be pardoned or to be punished.
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Closing thoughts:
Because I’m a retired U. S. Navy veteran, I can fly space available on military flights to wherever the plane in going. However, there is one stipulation! There must be “space available” for me, which means I’m only allowed on board if there’s an available seat. Until then, my luggage is set aside and held. While the other passengers board, I must wait, wondering if my name will be called. I can never be certain of a seat because available space isn’t guaranteed. My friend, it’s a far different situation on our journey to heaven, which begins when we trust Jesus Christ, as Savior for our salvation. Because of His (Christ) death and resurrection:
(1) Our passage to heaven is absolutely guaranteed.
(2) Our status is not pending.
(3) There is space available.
(4) Our names will be called.
My brethren, these priceless privileges have been paid for in full by the sacrificial death of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. If, like Thomas in John 14:5, you sometimes wonder if and how Jesus will get you to heaven, trust in His promise, “I go to prepare a place for you … and I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”. My friend, that’s His unfailing word that you can count on!
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God formed us; sin deformed us; only Christ transforms us.
His Eternal Word 