When John Lennon sang “Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try”, he was asking people to envision a world without eternity—no heaven above us, no hell below us, no future beyond today. But if we imagine such a world, we also imagine a universe where justice is never complete, suffering has no answer, and life has no ultimate meaning.
The Bible tells us something very different. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, Scripture says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity in their hearts.” God has placed within every human being a longing for something more than this life. That longing points us toward eternity, toward heaven and hell, and toward the reality that our choices today ripple into forever.
So why is it important to think about the afterlife? Pastor Mike Sanders shared three compelling reasons.
1. The Afterlife Gives Us a Hunger for Justice
We live in a world full of brokenness. Every day, we see evidence of evil—whether in global tragedies, personal abuse, or injustices that never seem to be made right. Without eternity, these wrongs would remain unresolved.
But Ecclesiastes reminds us in 3:17: “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
Justice may not always happen on our timeline, but God has promised that every deed will one day be brought into the light. This gives us confidence that even when the world feels out of balance, God will make all things right.
2. The Afterlife Motivates Us to Live Sacrificially
If life ended in nothingness, why live for anyone but ourselves? Why sacrifice time, energy, or resources if, in the end, nothing truly matters?
But because eternity is real, everything we do carries eternal weight. Ecclesiastes 3:14 reminds us, “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it.”
This truth means that every act of kindness, every sacrifice for the sake of others, every cup of cold water offered in Christ’s name will never be wasted. As Pastor Mike reminded us, “What we do to help others has no expiration date.”
Serving others becomes more than just a good deed—it becomes an investment in eternity.
3. The Afterlife Gives Us Hope
All of us walk through valleys of sorrow. We know what it means to grieve, to stand by the graveside, to ask hard questions. Without eternity, those moments would crush us with despair.
But belief in the afterlife gives us hope that sustains us. Hope that every tear will one day be wiped away. Hope that sin and sorrow will be no more. Hope that we will be reunited with those who have gone before us in Christ.
As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:19: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” All of creation is waiting for the day when God will restore and renew everything. That hope is what helps us endure today and thrive in our walk with Christ.
The Eternal Question
Thinking about eternity is not optional—it is essential. Every one of us will spend eternity somewhere, either with Christ in heaven or separated from Him in hell.
The good news is that God has made a way for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you confess your sins, believe that Jesus died on the cross for you, and call on His name, the Bible promises: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Take the Next Step
At The Open Door Church, our mission is to remind people that in Christ there is hope worth having. If you have questions about the afterlife, salvation, or eternity, we invite you to visit us. You can send us a message, share your prayer requests, and connect with someone who cares about your eternal future.
Don’t wait. Eternity is too important to ignore.