Not Everyone Dies and Goes to a “Better Place”

“I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell—or not getting eternal life or whatever—and you think that, well, it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward…. How much do you have to hate somebody not to proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that.”

Jillette concludes, “This guy was a really good guy. Polite and honest and sane—and he cared enough about me to proselytize and give me a Bible.”(1)

When my friends and I were growing up under the flight paths none of us went out of our way to explain our religious beliefs to each other. There were no attempts at persuasion or proof. We never debated whether one faith was true and the others false. We were as unaware of the import of our beliefs as we were of the planes that constantly roared overhead. Why? It felt like there was nothing to gain or lose. What someone believed—or did not believe—did not matter. Now I know it does. All eternity depends on whether people hear and respond. Forever is a long time.

The Narrow Door

Many Bible passages clarify the exclusive, all-important claims of Jesus regarding salvation. One of the most obvious is Luke 13:22-30. As Jesus taught His way through Israel’s towns and villages, someone asked him a questions of the ages: “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” (Luke 13:22 ESV). Who will make it to heaven?

Salvation is One Narrow Door

“Strive to enter through the narrow door,” Jesus responded. “For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24 ESV). Every home has a door, and God’s heavenly home is no exception. Jesus declares that such a door exists. It separates insiders from outsiders, family from foe, those who are welcome from those not on the guest list. God lives on one side and we live on the other. On His side is holiness, and on our side sin. On His side is life, on ours, death. And the door between us and God is “narrow.” What does that mean? Few find the door. Fewer still go through it. Apart from this door there is no salvation, no forgiveness of sin, no hope for sinners, no eternal life. The only door of salvation is narrow indeed.

The Narrow Door Is Exclusive and Inclusive

On this point Christianity is the most exclusive of all religions. But it is also the most inclusive, because all are welcome to pass through the narrow door. In some religions, you must be of a particular race, ethnicity, or people group, but all nations are invited to pass through the narrow door. In some religions, you need to learn Hebrew or Arabic, but all tongues can enter here. In some religions, you must be smart and studious, but at the narrow door even the simple can find the way in. In some religions, you need to be rich so you can buy your seat or go through layers of teaching, training, and cleansing, but at this door the poorest of the poor are welcome.

The Narrow Door Is Closing

God has opened a door of invitation. But that door will close. Jesus said, “When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’” (Luke 13:26). There is no reincarnation, no annihilation, no second chance for salvation after death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed once for you to die, then judgment.” You live, you die, you are judged. That is the truth. When you die, the door of opportunity slams shut behind you.