Welcome back to Finish the Race — the podcast where we confront today’s issues with eternal truth. I’m your host, and today we’re diving into a topic that many avoid, but none can escape: Heaven and Hell — The Truth About Eternity.
Every human being will live forever. That’s not speculation. That’s Scripture. The Bible is absolutely clear: this life is not all there is. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
There are only two eternal destinies: Heaven or Hell. And every single person will go to one or the other. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about both — and, more importantly, who ends up where.
Let’s begin with Hell.
Hell is real. Jesus spoke about it more than anyone else in the Bible. He described it as a place of unquenchable fire, darkness, torment, and separation from God. In Luke 16, Jesus tells of a rich man who died and was in agony in the flames of Hades, crying out for just a drop of water.
John MacArthur notes that Hell is the full expression of God’s justice. It’s not a place where Satan reigns — it’s a place where God’s wrath is poured out on unrepentant sinners. Revelation 20:15 says, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
That may sound harsh — but it’s not cruelty. It’s justice. God is holy. He cannot ignore sin. And Hell exists for those who reject His grace through Christ.
Now, what about Heaven?
Heaven is the opposite in every way. It’s a place of light, peace, and joy in the presence of God. Revelation 21 promises that in Heaven, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
Heaven is where the righteous — those who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus — will dwell forever. Jesus said in John 14, “I go to prepare a place for you.” That’s not wishful thinking. It’s a promise.
But here’s the truth — not everyone goes to Heaven. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus gives a shocking warning. He says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Many people will think they’re saved — but they aren’t.
That’s because salvation isn’t about religion. It’s not about being a good person or going to church. It’s about having a real relationship with Jesus Christ.
So what makes someone a Christian — truly saved and Heaven-bound?
According to Scripture, a Christian is someone who has repented of sin and trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Being a Christian means following Christ in obedience, bearing fruit in your life, and loving what God loves. According to a biblical definition shared on Yen.com.gh, it means surrendering to Christ, not just calling yourself His.
Far too many people today are deceived. They think because they were baptized, or because they pray occasionally, they’re safe. But Jesus said the gate is narrow, and only a few find it.
The wide road leads to destruction — and many are on it.
Hell isn’t just for “really bad people.” It’s for anyone who rejects God’s offer of salvation. That includes the proud, the religious hypocrite, the rebellious, and the self-righteous.
On the other hand, Heaven is for those who are humble in spirit, repentant, and fully trusting in Christ — not their own works.
Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Can you know for sure where you’re going? Yes, you can.
1 John 5:13 says, “I write these things to you… that you may know that you have eternal life.” If you’ve truly placed your faith in Christ and your life shows evidence of that transformation, you can be assured of Heaven.
But if you’re unsure — or if you know your life is not surrendered — don’t wait. Eternity is forever. Hell is not worth the gamble. Heaven is not worth missing.
The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation.”
Let’s end with this.
Heaven and Hell are not religious ideas — they are eternal realities. Jesus didn’t come just to improve your life. He came to rescue your soul.
You must choose: will you follow the world, or will you follow Christ? Will you trust in yourself, or trust in the cross?
This is not just a decision for today — it’s the most important decision of your life.
Thanks for joining us on Finish the Race. If today’s message stirred your heart, don’t ignore it. Seek the Lord while He may be found. And as always — run your race well. Eternity is one breath away.
