By Evang. Joachim P. Erameh
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
The Bible makes it clear that there is joy in heaven when a sinner repents and accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. God loves us all and wants us to be saved. It’s not God’s will that any soul should perish (2 Peter 3:9 ). But this doesn’t mean that unrepentant sinners will go to heaven on the last day. The Bible warns sinners to repent, or else they will perish (Luke 13:3, 5).
Hell was not originally created for man, but for the devil and all the angels that joined him to rebel against God. However, any sinner who refuses to repent will end up with the devil in the lake of fire that burns forever. The devil has vowed that he won’t suffer alone, that he would drag as many people as possible with him into hell. When a sinner dies without repentance, the devil and his angels rejoice. Hence, there is joy in hell over one sinner who didn’t repent before death more than the multitudes that are already there.
The devil knows he has limited time before he will be finally cast into hell, and he is going about deceiving people not to repent and serve God. This is why some sinners will hear the word of God, but harden their hearts and refuse to repent. The devil has destroyed many souls and he is still on the rampage. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” So, be wise and resist the devil now.
Dear reader, do you want heaven or the devil to rejoice over you on the last day? God loves you and wants you in heaven. Don’t let the devil deceive you and hinder you from going to heaven. If you’re living in sin, repent immediately and surrender your life to Jesus Christ before it’s too late.
Pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I’m a sinner. I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Come into my life, save me, and write my name in the book of life. Guide me to live for you and serve you until the end. Thank you for your love and mercy. Amen.”
Next Steps:
If you’ve prayed, take these steps:
- Find a Bible-believing Church (Hebrews 10:25).
- Live a holy life (Hebrews 12:14).
- Study God’s word daily (2 Timothy 2:15).
- Be prayerful (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Focus on heaven (Colossians 3:2).