Scripture shows us the realities of hell and the things that will send you there. Sin will send you to hell but, really, wrong choices are what send a person to hell.


But for those who make the right choices - the choices to be a Christian and to live right - let me show you what's coming your way!

"Then I saw a new sky (heaven) and a new earth; for the former sky and the former earth had passed away (vanished), and there no longer existed any sea. And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, all arrayed like a bride beautified and adorned for her husband....

Then in the Spirit He conveyed me away to a vast and lofty mountain, and exhibited to me the holy (hallowed, consecrated) city of Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God, clothed in God's glory - in all its splendor and radiance. The luster of it resembled a rare and most precious jewel, like jasper, shining clear as crystal. It had a massive and high wall with 12 (large) gates, and at the gates (there were stationed) 12 angels, and (on the gates) the names of the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel were written."
(Rev. 21:1,2,10-12 AMP)

Notice the beautiful description of the "holy city" in these verses. For example, imagine jasper that's so clear and so refined that it's crystal clear (v. 11). This is only part of the good things that await God's people!

Look at verse 12. It says that an angel is stationed there at each of the twelve gates to make sure that no one gets in who doesn't belong. Your name has to be in the Book of Life to get past the angel - and let me tell you, he's a bad dude! You may think you're bad, but there's one that's "badder" than you!

Moving to the Holy City
I'm going to describe the rest of the capital city of the new Heaven and the new earth - New Jerusalem - as it's described in Revelation chapters 21 and 22. It is 1,500 miles square. That means that it is 1,500 miles to the north, south, east, and west.

To help you understand how big 1,500 miles is, it's equivalent to the distance between Los Angeles, California, and San Antonio, Texas. Imagine one city that size! And it's not only 1,500 miles north, south, east, and west, but it's also 1,500 miles tall! Talk about a skyscraper!

The Bible says that there are 12 gates to that city, and each gate is 73 stories high. Each gate is made out of a single fine pearl. The foundation of the city wall is made of every kind of precious stone - sapphire, emerald, and so forth.

The Book of Revelation also tells us that every building in the holy city, not just the streets, is made out of gold so refined that it's transparent. You can see through everything because it's so clear. The sun will not be shining in Heaven, because there's no need for the sun. The Bible says that the glory of God is its light. The throne of God is in the middle of the city, and the light from God goes north, south, east, and west through all the transparent streets and buildings. It is the best-lit city that has ever been! It is so well lit, because it's lit by the glory that shines in the face of Jesus.

Then at the very throne of God is a river, which sparkles like crystal and flows through the main street of Heaven. Along each side of the river are beautiful trees which have leaves that bear fruit every month for the healing of the nations.

A Mansion Just for You
People who are in Heaven have homes. Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

There are many mansions in Heaven, and they are not like the mansions in Beverly Hills or the places on earth that you think are rich. The richest mansion on this earth cannot touch the gold-encased mansions in Heaven that shine with the very glory of God. And we can live there! Hallelujah!

People learn while in Heaven. If you don't learn how to walk by faith while you're here on earth, then some eight-year-old kid might sit down with you in Heaven and teach you how to walk by faith.

In Heaven, everything is "telepathy." In other words, here on earth, no one can hear me unless I open my mouth and say something. But in Heaven, whatever you think, everyone in Heaven knows it (but all thoughts will be pure!).

In Heaven, you'll get to meet the people you never knew when you were on earth. My son is not my first-born; he's my second-born. My wife and I lost our first child. I never got the chance to hold that little girl, but when I get to Heaven, she's going introduce herself and say, "I'm your daughter." And I'm going to say, "Baby!"

That's the way it is in Heaven. All the babies who've died - even those who were aborted - God is taking care of them. They are alive, and they're going to get to meet a whole lot of folks in Heaven. And some of those children are going be the ones teaching you what to do. You may have been the big-time preacher on the earth, but in Heaven you might have to sit down and get taught by the babies!

Which Choice Will You Choose?
Heaven is real. It's a real place that was designed for you. But you have to make the decision where you will spend eternity. Remember, Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death (spiritual death and eternal separation from God); BUT the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD." And Deuteronomy 30:19 says, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may live."

Heaven was designed for you. Hell was not. But you must choose between the two. Which choice will you choose? I exhort you to choose Jesus - to choose life!

Source: Hell: You Don't Want To Go There by Keith A. Butler
Excerpt permission granted by Word of Faith Publishing