The World: Bogus Belief #2

Aunt Betty is in a better place now, free from pain and suffering.

If Aunt Betty was a Christian, that would be a true statement. Aunt Betty may have been a faithful church-goer, but that is not what determines her eternal state. Many who thought they were Christians will be surprised to find themselves in Hell (Matt 7:21).

If Aunt Betty never believed in Christ, never repented of her sins, was never baptized, then she is not in a “better place,” but is certainly awaiting God’s judgment. Regardless of our sentimental feelings for loved ones, God plays no favorites (Eph 6:9). His plan of redemption involves our becoming “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom 8:29), not just being a good person.

Jesus said, “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16)

Regardless of how kind someone may have been to others, if he or she was not in Christ, they are doomed.