Is Everyone Going to Heaven?

    Even those who have little interest in the Bible, Christianity or religion in general, have heard the hype, reactions and turmoil surrounding Rob Bell’s latest book, in which he reveals his latest theological thoughts. Bell, always the cutting edge hipster pastor/theologian, has embraced an old form of 19th century liberalism: universalism. He splits hairs with definitions and thereby refuses to call his position, “universalism”, but most of us would be hard pressed to see any substantive difference between what he is now promoting and the theology that took down the mainline denominations a century ago.
    All of the discussion, however, is healthy. People are honestly asking, “Is there a real heaven and a real hell?” “Will people who reject Jesus be condemned forever?” Can we be assured of heaven in this life?” “What was the purpose of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection?” While Bell’s apparently new position (new for him, anyway) goes contrary to Jesus’ teaching, I’m really glad it has spurred necessary conversations. People are talking about heaven and hell and the state of humans in eternity. That’s definitely good, and it’s an opportunity for those of us who understand the Gospel to get it out there!
    It seems like every year at this time there is some big religious news to take advantage of people’s religious consciousness that is heightened because of the Lenten/Easter season. Remember how they supposedly found the family tomb of Jesus a couple of years ago? Ever wonder what happened to that story? Then there was the big deal over “The Gospel of Judas” that was supposed to turn Christianity on its ear. Before that was “The Da Vinci Code”, released as a book shortly before Easter, and as a movie the Easter following.
    Why does this keep happening? Because people really are thinking about matters of faith at this time of year, and marketing experts (Rob Bell included) know that and do their best to take advantage of it.
    As followers of Christ, we have a more pressing reason to elevate our voice and strengthen our witness. Despite Bell’s conclusion, not everyone is going to heaven (at least, not according to Jesus)! But they can if they embrace the Gospel. So let’s tell them….NOW! We’re not trying to sell a book or tickets to a movie. We’re trying to do so for so much more! We’re trying to rescue lives and deliver souls! This is the best time of the year to do it.
    So don’t run away from those conversations. Encourage them. Look for ways to bring Jesus into your everyday relationships. On Easter Sunday, more people will be interested in coming to church than on any other Sunday. So make invitations and make lots of them!
    According to Jesus, not everyone is going to heaven. But one of my life’s goals is to bring as many people along as possible. The gate may be narrow, but at the very least, we can show everyone we know where it is. Bring them to The Bridge this Easter, and I’ll help you out! :-)