As a Hindu, you have great reverence for your sacred scriptures. You believe in one Supreme Being, worlds beyond this world, and the cycle of life that includes reincarnation. You accept belief in karma and respect for other faiths. As a Hindu, it is likely important to you to learn more about the worlds beyond this world and to better understand what takes place the moment after your life ends in this existence.
For example, will you reincarnate into another life form, will your spirit simply cease to exist, or does heaven or hell await? This important question is worthy of attention, as the consequences affect this life and could be eternal. It would be unwise to say such a discussion is unworthy or unimportant.
Where can we find answers about life after this existence? Hindu scriptures from the Vedas offer some assistance to Hindus. Yet the Christian faith offers a more comprehensive understanding from the Bible, a book revealed by the Creator God. Let us consider its teachings for a moment on the question of what happens after we die.
The Bible teaches: "It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).
On what basis does this judgment take place? While many religions teach that a person must follow certain rules or rituals to achieve God's favor, the Bible is clear that no person can live up to God's standards to win His favor. Every person has sinned or done wrong things and is therefore imperfect and separated from God. Romans 3:23 notes, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory [or perfection] of God." Our sins make us deserving of eternal separation from God: "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
Did you catch that last part of the verse? Our sins deserve death, but God offers us a free gift! What is this free gift of God? It is eternal life. God offers a perfect eternity with Him after this life, but it is not automatic. To receive God's gift of eternal life, we must believe in God's Son Jesus Christ. John 3:16 teaches, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jesus, God incarnate, was sinless and He died as a sacrifice for our sins. He then rose again from the dead, proving He is God and conquering the power of sin and death. Romans 10:9 says, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
How can you believe in Jesus and receive this eternal life? It is not contingent on any of your works; receiving Jesus as Savior is by faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." God's grace, or undeserved favor, changes our lives. When we believe in Jesus, not only are we welcomed into Heaven when we die, we experience meaning and purpose in life on earth. And all of this is a free gift, based on the work of Jesus and not on our works!
Are you willing to place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive this free gift of eternal life? You can do so right now. There is no special prayer or formula to follow. Remember Romans 10:9? All that is required is that "you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, [and] you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). If you believe in Jesus, you can confess this to Him through prayer. The following is a sample of how you might pray to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior:
"Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son who died in my place and rose from the dead to give me eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life."
Copyright 2011-2024 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
