Introduction

Early last year (2022), I wrote about 21 articles on the subject of The Afterlife on my previous website. Although I covered the basics; rather thoroughly, and from scripture, I felt like I left out one idea and that is the general belief, by most people claiming to be Christians, that the majority of the planet’s population will automatically go to Heaven.

There’s no scripture basis for their belief because it’s simply a tradition that’s been passed down through the ages. It’s not even limited to a certain denomination; just the general consensus of people believes this because they were told by somebody else.

Eliminating the Obvious

Now, I’m not even talking about Universalism; the belief that everyone will go to heaven regardless of their belief. Even those who believe this concept, won’t even agree with this statement.

For example, you can be assured that no one believes that individuals like Adolph Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, Napoleon, and others will ever be seen in Heaven. If you believe in Universalism, you’d have to accept that. And, if that’s the case, what’s the purpose of Hell? If your answer is, Hell is for the devil and his angels as stated by Jesus in Mt. 25:41, then everyone isn’t going to Heaven. Because you’d have to include Satan.

People who are generally kind, considerate, and pleasant to be around are those who are going to Heaven. While individuals who are sinful, belligerent, and violent will go to Hell. I’ve heard people state that their father, or husband, was as such and that he deserved to go to Hell.

The bible truth on that is that we ALL deserve to go to Hell. NO ONE deserves to go to Heaven. Paul wrote, As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10). No one on this planet has done anything worthwhile to deserve to go to Heaven. Yet, people will make that claim.

Smiling at Me from Heaven

Something you’ll hear, often, from people who talk about family and loved ones, who have died, “I’m sure they’re looking down at me from Heaven and smiling. They know I’ve been through a lot this year and yet I keep on going.” Or a similar sentiment like that.

Again, it’s a conclusion they always draw because the concept is ingrained in our history for many generations. No one wants to pick up a bible and see what it actually says for the fear that they might be wrong! Even if it’s pointed out to them, they don’t want to believe it because they can’t fathom the idea that God would send a good person to Hell.

The bible truth is that God doesn’t send anyone to Hell. The individual sends himself, and God allows it, because they did not obey the will of The Father (Mt. 7:21). If God provided everything for us on this planet, then how can the thought of obedience to Him become such an impossible task?

Then I Don’t Want to Go!

There are those who will hear the truth of the gospel, understand fully that their grandma didn’t go to Heaven, because she didn’t obey the will of the Father, but they’ll draw this conclusion, “Well, if my grandmother is going to Heaven, then neither will I!”

This is what I would call, Spiritual Suicide! You’d rather throw away your eternity with God the Father on the simple basis that Grandma didn’t make it? Don’t you think that your grandmother would want you to do differently and not join her in Hell?

Remember the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31)? Here’s what the rich man told Abraham, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ (Vs. 27-28) Here we see that this man knows how bad it is in Hades; that he doesn’t want his own brothers to join him. I’m sure that would be anyone’s reaction in regard to surviving family members. They don’t want you to join them!

Conclusion

It’s frustrating to listen to people talk about wishing their family member a “Happy Heavenly Birthday” or “Anniversary” or whatever. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that they are in Hell. If you’ve read Luke 16:19-31, then you know where people will go prior to the judgment (2 Cor. 5:10).

However, Paul writes, And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

God will not force you to believe His word. We are all created as free agents to draw our own conclusions. God will allow someone to believe the lie because that’s what the individual wants to do. Rather than search the truth for themselves, they’ll allow generations of traditions to be their doctrine instead. Do not let this be your belief! Turn to God’s word and save your soul!