He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36 KJV

(All Scripture quotes are from the New King James Version)

As I traveled through the dense jungles along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, I pondered the spiritual condition of the local native tribes. Our mission was to assess the needs for Bible translation, but I found myself curious and delved deeper into the existential questions that bind all of humanity.

One day, through an interpreter, we asked a local tribe a question common to all of humanity. “What happens to you after you die?” The response was simple. They admitted, with a palpable sense of unease, “We don’t know and we are afraid to die.” They believed there was something beyond this life, yet that something remained shrouded in mystery and fear.

This fear of the unknown after death isn’t unique to the tribes of Papua New Guinea; it is a sentiment shared by many around the world. Regardless of geographical and cultural differences, the question of what lies beyond death’s veil conjures up a blend of hope, uncertainty, and fear. This encounter in the jungle is a good backdrop to a discussion on the Biblical perspective of heaven and hell—a topic that addresses the deepest fears and the highest hopes of humanity.

As we dig deeper into this discussion, it’s crucial to anchor our exploration in the Scriptures, which provide not just doctrinal insights but also a message of hope. For those who live in uncertainty about the afterlife, the Bible offers a path to certainty through faith in Jesus Christ. His words, especially through the parables and teachings about the kingdom of God, provide clarity and assurance.

Sometimes, individuals express a sense of peace about their life choices, saying things like, “I feel like I’m okay.” This sentiment, though comforting, can be misleading. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Our feelings can deceive us, making us believe we are on the right path even when we are not aligned with God’s will.

This is why it’s critical not to base our spiritual health or eternal destination on our feelings alone. Feelings are fleeting and can be influenced by many factors unrelated to spiritual truth. Instead, we need to measure our lives against the unchanging truth of Scripture. The Bible clearly states that being born again, filled with God’s Spirit, and being part of the church, the body of Christ, are essential for walking the narrow path that leads to eternal life.

Jesus Christ in His Sermon on the Mount, illustrates the concept of two paths. In Matthew 7:13-14, He says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” This Scripture highlights the existence of two distinct paths in life: one that leads to eternal destruction (hell) and one that leads to eternal life (heaven).

When asked, “Where are you going?” it’s crucial to reflect on the choices we’ve made and the path we’re currently on. Jesus emphasizes that the path to life is narrow and difficult to find, suggesting that living a life that aligns with God’s will requires deliberate effort and choices that may not always align with the broader societal norms.

In Mark 1:15, Jesus begins His ministry with a call to action. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” This call to repentance and belief is at the heart of our journey towards Heaven. Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to walking in obedience to God, and belief is placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” This scripture offers assurance that belief in Jesus Christ secures our eternal destiny in Heaven. It’s not about a one-time choice but a lifelong journey of faith and obedience.

Before we conclude I would also like to note that we do not drift into heaven.  D. A. Carson said “People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated.” These thoughts align with the teaching of Jesus. It takes effort. Strive to enter.

The story from along the Sepik River and the question posed by the billboard serve as a call to search our lives and to make a decision. Where we end up – heaven or hell – depends on the path we choose in life.  This path is shaped by our daily choices, our repentance, and our belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we continue our journey, let us strive to choose the narrow path that leads to life eternal, guided by the teachings of Jesus and the assurance provided in the Scriptures. This path, not based on fleeting feelings, offers a true and steadfast route to eternal peace and fulfillment.

—Harold R. Troyer