Heaven and Hell

Do you believe in a literal heaven and hell? What happens to people who die without a saving knowledge of Christ?

I believe in heaven and hell. Numerous Biblical passages talk about rewards in heaven. Matthew 6:20 says, “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Jesus makes various references to the frailty of life here on earth and to the eternal life found only through Him. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." It is through a relationship with Jesus Christ that one is able to live eternally in heaven.

We all deserve death. Romans 6:23 says, “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The neat thing about God’s grace is that He freely offers it even when we don’t deserve it. When people die without a saving knowledge of God’s grace, they suffer the pain of hell. Matthew 10:28 says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This points out how the soul can’t be destroyed in heaven, but in hell both the body and soul are abolished.