Unleashing the Beast

322 / U NLEASHING THE B EAST

the roaring sound of the fire. As the heat and fire began burning the flesh and clothes off of innocent victims and thousands of people stood stunned at ground zero, suddenly we saw people leaping from the towers to sudden death at the feet of those on the ground. At that moment, time stopped and clashed with eternity! One thing is certain: those who chose to jump to their deaths that day would have willingly given up their stocks, bonds, bank accounts, cars and all earthly possessions if someone could have guaranteed them an extended life with their families. At that critical moment of decision, all the hard work, long hours, overtime and education meant nothing. The reality that life can end unexpectedly, and there is nothing one can really do about it crossed the mind of every American that day! This brings me to an important point. When the appointed time for your departure from this life comes and your soul is preparing to make its journey to either heaven or hell—to its eternal destination—what will matter most is not your wealth, your education or your prestige. The only thing that will matter will be your faith in and relationship with God, the love of your family, and the fellowship of your Christian friends. Certainly the Bible predicts troubling times in the future. Stress will become so great that men's hearts will fail them for fear of looking after those things which are coming to pass upon the earth (see Luke 21:26). Yet, if we have a true experience with Christ and the assurance of His gift of eternal life, then death is not a threat for us. Instead, it is the door to our eternal destiny.