He’s Still There
“… in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes …”
Albert E. Farley
A faithful sister in Christ expressed her earnest desire to go to heaven and not to lose her soul in hell. She spoke of the rich man in Luke 16, of whom Jesus taught almost 2,000 years ago. She said he wanted a drop of water to cool his tongue but could not get it. She then added, “He’s still there!” Yes, this unrighteous rich man was below a great gulf and in a place of great torment. He will be there until the resurrection day and the judgment of the world, and, then, he will be cast into the lake of fire for an eternity! There is no purgatory! He’s still there! This is one of the most sobering thoughts of mortal man. If only we would be able to keep it ever before us!
This thought, however, works both ways: All who die in a lost condition are still there; all who die saved, abide in a place of comfort! They are still there! Notice:
Enoch is still there! “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Gen 5:24. This faithful man was taken by God and did not see death. Before his translation, he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Heb 11:5. He’s still there!
Elijah is still there! The Lord took Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:1. A chariot of fire, pulled by horses of fire, took him home to be with God. 2:11. He did come back to the earth to appear with Jesus upon the mount, speaking with Him of His coming death. Mt 17:1-9; Lk 9:28-36. However, today, he is still where God took him!
Lazarus is still there! When the faithful beggar, whose sores the dogs licked, died, Jesus said he was “… carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.” Lk 16:22. He was above a great gulf and in a place of divine comfort. He’s still there!
Judas is still there! This apostle was a thief and sold his Lord for thirty pieces of silver. Lk 6:12-16; Jn 12:6; Mt 26:15. The next morning, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, he brought the money back, threw it down in the temple, went out, and hanged himself. Mt 27:3-5. Peter said Judas went to his own place. Acts 1:25. He’s still there!
The repentant thief is still there! This criminal turned to the Lord before he and the Lord died upon their own crosses. Lk 23:40. He said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” 42. Jesus said to him, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” He’s still there!
Stephen is still there! The wicked Jewish mob gnashed on him with their teeth, cast him out of the city, and stoned him. As he died, he called upon God, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:51-60. He’s still there!
God and Jesus Christ are still there! Heaven is the holy habitation of Jehovah God! Deut 26:15. The Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands. Acts 7:47-50. The Lord is in His holy temple: His throne is in heaven. Ps 11:4. He’s still there! Also, the Word was with God and the Word was God! John 1:1. The Word descended from heaven and became flesh. 1:14; 3:13. After completely finishing His work on earth (by living His sinless life; doing all good; performing great miracles; teaching the truth; and, by being beaten, bruised, and, finally, by being crucified on the cross), He arose and ascended back to heaven. The Father crowned Him King of kings and Lord of lords and set Him at His right hand. Mk 16:19; Acts 2:32-36. He’s still there!
Dear friends, when Jesus returns to raise the dead and to issue the final judgment, where will you and I be sent? Jn 5:28, 29; Mt 25:31-46. After Jesus finishes His judgment, He will deliver up the redeemed to God. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. They will be there forever!
Since all of these things are true, the question is, “Where are you headed?” “Where will you and I be when our souls leave our mortal bodies to await the resurrection?” We all have an appointment to keep. Heb 9:27. When we die, our souls return to God. Ecc 12:7. Where will we be sent by God? -Editor.