When the theoretical physicist Steven Hawkins died many people mourned. Others prayed that he had a miraculous last-minute conversion. Some believed that he was heaven bound regardless of his spiritual state. Facebook friends of mine wrote things like:
“I know he was an atheist. But I hope he is running, jumping, and laughing in heaven. Laughing at himself for finally being wrong about something. I’m not trying to start a debate on theism, this is just what I hope.”
Steven was just a man, so he was wrong about many things, including the creation of the universe. The truth is, “in the beginning God created…” My response to her was,
“Sorry Jessica, but the Bible is very clear - if he was an atheist, he is not in heaven, unfortunately.”
This started the debate that she really didn’t want in the first place, but I’m compelled by the Holy Spirit to tell the truth about the Gospel, Heaven and Hell. She responded back,
“Yes, but I am allowed to hope. My God is merciful.”
God is merciful to those who love Him enough to accept His Son as Lord and Savior. Then the response back from another Facebook friend was,
“maybe he's somebody's plus one to the party.”
I’m not sure what party he’s referring to. I hope he knew enough scripture to possibly be referring to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, but I’m dubious about that. Although, there will be rejoicing in heaven that will continue eternally, but you can’t take anyone with you. Salvation is a one-on-one personal relationship with God. My gentile response was,
“It doesn`t work that way Patrick. Sometimes I wish it did.”
Then later yet another Facebook friend stated,
“Just maybe the man did enough ‘good deeds’ during his lifetime and earned enough tokens to get to the ‘Pearly Gates’.”
Heaven doesn’t accept tokens, but I again gently responded,
“That’s not how it works either.”
Then I posted a link to my website, so that if they wanted, they could get better information about the religion that they apparently belong too. So many have been misled.
Many “Christians” believe what Hollywood has told them about heaven, what the media has told them, and what uninformed teachers, philosophers and preaches have told them.
This is a problem! These people – with all their good intentions are going to be left behind in the Rapture, or if the Lord waits for more people to accept Christ, they may die without Christ and burn in hell like poor, misguided, Steven Hawkins. I desperately do not want that to happen! That’s why my website exists! That’s why I am compelled to tell people the truth about what God said in His Word, the Bible!
I pray that these Facebook friends learn the truth and accept it. I pray for all who are lost and don’t understand the ramifications of their lostness. I pray that I see each of them in Heaven, because they eventually accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I pray that they don’t delay. We have very little time left, according to all the prophetic signs. Jesus is Lord, and the time to accept Him is now!
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Romans 3:23
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Romans 10:9