A few days ago, I read a tweet from a pastor about a public person that had recently died. He suggested that that person, who was not a Christian, was now in the presence of the devil. It seems that he intended it to be a smart joke, but it bothered me profoundly.
I have to be honest. I know that it is clear in the Bible what determines every person’s eternal destination: whether they have accepted Jesus as their Savior or not. But it bothers me when a Christian, who is called to love everyone, suggests that a person went to hell.
So I responded to the pastor’s tweet, but he insisted that he had made no judgement, he had just affirmed that the person had a meeting with the devil but he didn’t say what the outcome was. Based on the Bible, there is no such thing as a meeting with the devil after someone dies.
In my opinion, we as Christians should avoid this kind of comment because:
- Even if we knew that person, even if we were their best friend and knew all there was to know about them, how can we be really sure of what happened in the very last moments of their life? Maybe they changed their minds with their very last breath.
- We can’t claim a right that only belongs to Jesus, which is to judge and determine each person’s eternal destination. (John 5:22, John 5:26-27, 2 Corinthians 5:10)
- It goes against our own hope, which is dependent upon God’s mercy and grace. We depend upon them as much as anyone. If it was up to our merit, we all would deserve to face eternal condemnation. So if we don’t deserve it, how can we boast? (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 6:14)
If the person didn’t accept Jesus as their savior, this is not something we should make jokes about. This is something that breaks God’s heart, to see one of his beloved lost, and it should break our hearts too.
I imagine what people would say about one of the thieves that was crucified next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). He was dying, and according to his own words the condemnation was fair. He admitted to be a criminal and to deserve his sentence (verse 41). But in that final moment, he believed (verse 42).
He never had a chance to make amends. He never had a chance to get down from the cross and do good deeds to make up for his bad behavior. He never had a chance to show that he had changed.
But Jesus knew it. He knew his heart, and even though the thief didn’t put it into many words, Jesus knew. And it was enough, he was saved. Jesus himself promised him that: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (verse 43)
What a wonderful promise! This is such a beautiful episode of the Bible, and one that gives us hope. Hope that Jesus can forgive anything at anytime. He can wipe clean anyone’s life and determine their destination to heaven with nothing but a change of heart.
As for me, and I suggest it to all Christians everywhere who have already received God’s mercy and grace, we should follow apostle Paul’s recommendation:
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
Feel free to give your opinion or share your stories in the comment section below.
Cris-You know what I love about your posts? You don’t just ramble on emotionally about something important. You back it up with scripture. This post made me think. Awesome.
Jenna, thank you for your comment, it is very encouraging. And I appreciate your mentioning the quoting of Scripture. This is something I learned from my pastor and I think it is an important habit: to back up my opinions and beliefs with Scripture.
I hate it when Christians make these cute statements about the eternal destiny of others. Whenever celebrities die, it’s like every pastor in America has to talk about them in the next week’s sermon. We have to make judgement, or use them as an illustration, or whatever. Why do Christians act like it’s fine for us to determine who gets into heaven and who doesn’t? (I do believe the Bible clearly teaches, that apart from the sacrifice of Jesus, no one gets in. But how do we know who has placed their trust in Jesus and who hasn’t.)
Seth, I don’t get it either. Let’s pray that God help them realize that going to hell is not a joke. And if possible, we can lovingly try to explain it to them.
Thank you for your comment!
I agree with you, Cris. We don’t know what happened in the last moments of a person’s life and we don’t need to concern ourselves with it for the most part. It shows a definite lack of compassion when we publicly talk about things like this and if anyone ever asked my thoughts, I would say don’t go there and I won’t either. Interesting thoughts. Thanks.
Whatever happened, it’s between him and God. Like you said it doesn’t concern us.
Thank you for your comment, Jason!
Count me in as another one in agreement, Cris. That pastor was insensitive at best, and judgmental at worst. You were courageous in confronting him about it.
I think you’re right: who are we to judge what went on in that person’s heart even as he was dying? May the Lord have mercy on us all!
Amen!
Thank you for your comment, Lisa!
Very insightful post, Cris. Swimming in the waters of judgement is a very dangerous thing, indeed.
Thank you, Scott.
Way to go, Cris! Wonderful post! We are all indeed beggars like Martin Luther has said. May God bless you richly!
Great way to put, we all are beggars indeed. And the same mercy that was given to us, we must give to others too.
Thank you for your comment, Mari-Anna!