SAMPLE ETERNAL DESTINY

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3 ETERNAL DESTINY The car was driven into the petrol station. The driver, Doug Rose, a bright young Christian, accompanied by his wife and baby, gave the order to the pump attendant. Well, Doug, what s news? cheerily asked the attendant, as he served the petrol. Well, the news is, said Doug, I m going to heaven soon! The attendant was a little taken aback at the unexpected answer, but listened as Doug preached the gospel to him for a few moments. This was characteristic of Doug: proclaim the word; be urgent in season and out of season. (2 Timothy 4, verse 2) His Christianity came through clearly as it did where he worked as a glazier, along with his younger brother. They were, of course, reproached and ridiculed, but Doug was always cheerful; he would often say before all, Never mind, Bill and I are going to heaven soon! This, we may think, was an extraordinary outlook, as most of us naturally would like to live for ever on the earth! Their inward thought is, that their houses are for ever they call the lands after their own names. (Psalm 49, verse 11) 1

4 Doug dearly loved his wife and baby daughter and cared for them accordingly, yet he seemed constantly to have eternity before him and the prospect of spending it with Christ and His own, in heaven. He was urgent in preaching to his fellow men daily in the streets, using his brief lunch period to do this. One Lord s day, Doug accepted an invitation to preach in a gospel hall, as he had done before. He walked to the microphone with a bright smile on his face, and his wife, who was present, wondered at this. He read one verse from the Bible, 1 John 1, verse 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He began his preaching This Scripture came to mind from an impression received earlier in the day. We have just been hearing what the Lord bore in His body, what He suffered. There is nothing lacking from God s side. There is no lack from the divine side. The Lord Doug collapsed at this point and in an instant the Lord Jesus took him to be with Himself. His young wife calmly came to his side, but Doug had gone to heaven as he had so often said to be always with the Lord 2

5 (1 Thessalonians 4, verses 16, 17). The following lines and the hymn were written by Doug just a little before he died at the age of 23 years. ETERNITY Where will you spend eternity? A question often asked. Many shrug their shoulders and say Who cares? or When you re dead you re dead! or I ll cross that bridge when I come to it! How foolish these answers are. We must be certain as to our eternal destiny. (Read Luke 16, verses ) There are two places to spend eternity heaven or hell. How much more the thought of heaven appeals to us. But to be there, we must come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from among the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10, verse 9) A very simple message, but what a test! Jesus Christ is the test of every man and woman. Why not, while you ve got an opportunity, accept Christ as your Saviour and avail yourself of 3

6 His blood? The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1, verse 7) Think of spending eternity with Jesus where He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall not exist any more, nor grief, nor cry, nor distress shall exist any more, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21, verse 4) how great is this scene over against the other. Hell! eternal damnation away from the presence of God; there will be no comfort or friends there. How many poor people laugh about hell (the lake of fire) and say There will be plenty of others there who will help stoke the fire. I have to tell you it s solitary confinement, just you and your conscience reminding you that God is just. In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not obey the glad tidings of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall pay the penalty of everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might. (2 Thessalonians 1, verses 8, 9) Take heed to the gospel now, friend, and embrace the message from God Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house (Acts 16, verse 31). Have peace in your soul for now and eternity. 4

7 O blessed Father we give praise to Thee, For all Thy goodness and Thine equity; Thy majesty doth fill our hearts with awe, Thou art supreme for now and evermore. Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour and our Friend, The glorious Man whose love can never end; The One who died to set us sinners free, Can give us joy and peace eternally. Blest Holy Spirit we do need Thy care, When pressure comes that nature cannot bear; We prove Thy power whene er we call on Thee, Thy glory shines in Thy divinity. O glorious God, Thou giver of all life, Thy love and goodness far above all strife, The One who is, and was, and is to come, We bow our hearts to Thee, the great I AM. Doug Rose Dear reader, why should you not possess the peace and joy, here and now, that Doug had? We urge you to read the Bible and read yourself rich! Therefore having been justified on the principle of faith, we have peace towards 5

8 God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom we have also access by faith into this favour in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5, verses 1, 2) E.L. Crutcher Other booklets are available from: Christian Doctrine and Gospel Publishing Chelwood House, Cox Lane, Chessington Surrey, KT9 1DN, England