O THAT THEY WERE WISE

Memory Verse: “O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” (Deuteronomy 32:29).

Text: Daniel 12:1-3

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He matter of the end is the end of the matter, God has set time for everything on earth (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). There is an ultimate end for our life here on earth. Whatever anyone does while alive on earth will take him to live in eternity either with God in heaven or with Satan in hell at one’s latter end. This is why the Bible is encouraging us to consider our latter end.

Question 1: What do you understand by ‘latter end’?

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Both heaven and hell are real. The Bible confirms to us that physical death is not the end; after death comes judgment which leads to heaven or hell (Hebrews 9:27). This answers the question of whether there is life after death. Sure, there is life! It is unending and called eternity. Where do you want to spend your eternity? Ordinarily, everyone wants to go to heaven; unfortunately it is not everyone that is qualified for it.

Question 2: From John 3:3-7, 16-18, what qualifies one for heaven, and what takes one to hell?

a.                 Heaven: ______________________________________________________

b.                 Hell: _________________________________________________________

From Mathew 7:13 and 14, there is the confirmation of the two destinations. People throng to hell – a place of damnation, while just few have found the way to eternal life in heaven. What qualifies the few on that narrow way is their rebirth following their believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and  their acceptance of Him as their all in all. Those on the broad way remain there because of their refusal to believe and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. This is dangerous! However, there is opportunity to decamp and join the few on the pathway to heaven. It is important you consider your latter end.

Question 3: How can one prepare for eternity with God?

i.                   Galatians 5:19-21; Acts 3:19 ______________________________________

ii.                 Proverbs 28:13 _________________________________________________

iii.              John 1:12 _____________________________________________________

iv.              John 8:31 _____________________________________________________

For a sinner to make heaven, he must take the required steps to salvation. He must repent and confess all his/her sins (King David did it in Psalm 51; you must do it too). He must also renounce all his acts of sinful practices. To become a child of God who is ready to be with Him in eternity, he must receive Christ into his life and believe on His name. Having become a believer in Christ Jesus, he must continue with Him to the end of his life (John8:31; Matthew 24:13). The opposite of sinful living is righteous living. Sinful living leads to hell fire, but righteous living leads to heaven. Therefore, be wise to consider your latter end.