As I reflect on the tragic events surrounding Mrs. Renée Good’s shooting in Minneapolis, I find myself questioning something deeper than the politics and debates that ensue. I want to share the first thought that crossed my mind: What did Mrs. Good experience in that pivotal moment as she transitioned from life to eternity? One moment, she was joyfully driving her car; the next, she was in a completely different realm. What did she see?

Did she awaken on the other side filled with overwhelming joy, enveloped in peace within a breathtaking world of infinite possibilities? Or did she find herself facing the terrors of a nightmare, wrestling with the realization that this torment would last for all eternity?

In contemplating this, I ask: how important are our political affiliations, our possessions, or our earthly concerns when faced with the reality of death? In that instant, we are reminded of what truly matters. It becomes clear that the essence of life boils down to one crucial choice.

There are fundamentally two possibilities of what awaits us just moments after we leave this life. 

The first option is a beautiful one; it is a vision of a new world, far more magnificent than anything we have known. You will feel enveloped in peace and joy, reunited with cherished friends, and surrounded by a landscape brimming with unimaginable beauty.

The second option, however, is starkly different: a descent into an unending nightmare. Everything you have ever feared may come to pass, and you will experience torment unlike anything you could ever imagine. This grim reality will feel like being trapped in a horror movie—with no escape, destined to endure forever.

The difference between these two destinies lies in a single choice we make while still on this side of eternity. That choice is to recognize our need for a Savior. We can do nothing to earn our way to heaven because we all fall short; as Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The only way to enter heaven is to be perfect, sinless.

That is why Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us, “For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” I am not perfect, but He is. He took my place, giving me His perfect righteousness as my passport into heaven. When I chose to follow Him, my old self—the one burdened by sin—was buried in the waters of baptism, giving rise to a new creation that continues to grow in faith.

So, I ask you: what will you see? Your choice in this life determines your eternity. If you find yourself uncertain or yearning for guidance, please reach out to me. I would love to help because, in truth, nothing matters more than your eternal destiny.

As we read in John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Let this truth inspire you to choose wisely.