Richard Hollerman

We knew that the Word is nearly entirely focused on the afterlife—but people only are focused on this life. Sadly, we find that this view is deplorable and it should focus on the present and the future.

It would seem that people just assume that death comes after 50 or 90 years and that people will depart for a “better land.” This is reinforced by those who present “sermonettes” at funerals. We find this so sad, for it is a lie. Actually, most people will not be in a “better land,” but most will go to another place. This is true of my own neighbors, my relatives, my family, any church people we may know—and all others.

Yes, there are apparently dozens of places in God’s word that say this. Our Lord says quite plainly: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction and many are those who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Oh, this deserves to be read again and again—and committee to memory!

Is this true or false? We know that it is absolute truth! Consider also 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. Or Revelation 14:10-11, and Revelation 20:11-15, and 21:7-8. Or Matthew 13:36-50. All of this leads us to think that the Bible is true and Jesus spoke the truth.

Do we know what this means? It means that Jewish interpreters are wrong. The world’s scholars are generally wrong. And, of course, others are also wrong: such as Islam, Catholics, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Atheistic, and Agnostic scholars are also wrong. They are dead wrong.

Instead, the “pluralist’s” view that all is well and everyone is well and will be in a “better place” would also be wrong. Actually, the world is not in a position to know that everyone goes to a “better place” and thus is utterly wrong. Instead, the people of the world (unless they repent before God) will be in a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Whether we are speaking of the “pope” of the Vatican in Rome, or the Dali Lama from India and Nepal, or the Anglican bishop, or the Lutheran President, or others who may refuse to repent before God for the sake of Christ, these will not be in a “better place” wherever it may be. Rather, they will be in an eternal place of anguish from God. This is what God teaches—and let us believe it!

Are you prepared today?