Who is going to hell?

“In my Bible it says that people who believe in Buddha (or other religions) are not going to hell, but only people who are lost and have screwed up their lives . . . . Aren’t only believers in Christ going to heaven and no one else?”—Rachel

First, I’m not sure what “Bible” you are reading! Comments about Buddha aren’t found in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.

Be that as it may, Christianity is often criticized for being exclusive, of being dismissive of other religions that profess to be paths to God. The fact is Christianity by definition does hold that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

Here is a sampling of what the Bible says. In the Hebrew text, which Christians accept as authoritative and inspired, Israel is adjured to choose God and His way (e.g., Deut. 30; passim). In the New Testament, Jesus said, “I am the Way . . . no one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn. 14:6). Those who believe in Jesus receive everlasting life; they become the children of God (Jn. 1:12; 3:16).

In one of his early sermons, Jesus’ disciple Peter declared, “Salvation is found in no one else . . . there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Apostle Paul said, “In Christ there is no condemnation . . . if Christ is in you, your spirit is alive . . .” (Rom. 8:1ff).

An honest examination of Christianity reveals that this faith makes a simple yet profound claim that Christ is the only way to God and eternal life. By nature neither harsh nor condemning, Christianity extends to every person an invitation to peruse this claim carefully and see whether or not it is true.

Will I see God in heaven?

“When I get to heaven, will I see God?”—Will

A tough but honest inquiry from a 5-year old!

The Bible, though not explicit on this point, does give us some clues:

First, God is invisible to temporal, human eyes. “No man can see God and live” (Ex. 33:20). “God is Spirit . . .” (Jn. 4:24). “No man has seen God at any time” (Jn. 1:18; I Jn. 4:12; I Tim. 6:16). Vague allusions to “seeing God” (Ex. 24:9-11; 33:20-23; Num. 12:8) indicate that God has allowed limited manifestations, visions, and reflections of His invisible though nonetheless real power, presence and glory.

More importantly, God revealed Himself in His Son, Jesus the Christ. “If you really knew Me you would know my Father . . . you do know Him and [thus] have seen Him . . . anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (Jn. 14:7, 9). Christ is “the image” of the invisible God (II Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).

Our finite minds cannot imagine what or how we will “see” in heaven. Scripture does teach that things will be different: when those who follow Christ have been “raised up in an immortal body” (I Cor. 15:42-55), “we shall see Him as He is” (I Jn. 3:2). Put your trust in this: Christ is the way to God (Jn. 14:6), and someday we will be in His presence and see Him face to face (I Cor. 13:12). I suspect that will be good enough!

Heaven

“Will we know each other in heaven?”—Jimmy

A question often asked when a loved one dies, this topic has given rise to endless debate and discussion. The Bible does not answer the question directly, but does give some important insight.

Scripture speaks often of “eternal life.” The gift of God through faith in Christ, this transformed existence begins in our earthly experience and continues after death (John 3:16; 11:25-26; II Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9). Eternal life involves both spirit and body. The Bible teaches that the Christian will experience a bodily resurrection. At Christ’s second coming, the dead will be raised “immortal” and “imperishable” (I Cor. 42-54). This “resurrection body”, spiritual in nature, will be similar to the natural, physical body. It will be like the post-resurrection body of Jesus (I John 3:2).

Jesus’ resurrection body provides the best picture—He is the “first one” of this new kind of existence (I Cor. 15:20; Col. 1:18). He spoke and listened, touched and was touched, and ate with friends. He knew people and they knew Him and the sound of His voice (John 20:1-21:25; Luke 24:13-32).

The logical conclusion is that we will be at home in our resurrection body and that we will recognize each other as the new people we have become. This is a comforting thought. We do well to remember, however, that our sense of what is most important may get a major adjustment when we see the Lord Himself face to face (I Cor. 13:12)!