By Capt. Dale Black
As I’ve traveled across the world meeting people from a variety of backgrounds, there seems to be a common belief that life continues after a person dies. Believe me – it does. Even though I did not ask for the experience, nor do I take any pride in it, I tell you with certainty there IS life after death. Following a fatal airplane crash whick occurred decades ago, I now feel compelled by God to share what I saw, heard, and learned before my life on earth is finished. 

In my book “Flight To Heaven” I explain that I climbed onboard a twin-engine corporate aircraft on a beautiful Southern California morning. I had expected to fly throughout the state, eventually landing in San Francisco before returning to the Hollywood-Burbank airport. I didn’t know that morning that the decision to get on that airplane would almost be the most life-changing decisions of my life. I say “almost” because the most important decision that I ever made was done in the fifth grade, when I decided to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. I am quite certain even today that had I not become a child of God I would NOT have survived the crash. And to me it is obvious that had I not made that decision in the fifth grade I never would have seen heaven. The most important decision in my life, ever, was that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. For me this happened in the fifth grade. Deciding to accept Jesus Christ meant that I had an eternal home in heaven no matter when I died. You see, once you sincerely acknowledge Christ as Savior, you are guaranteed eternity with God in heaven. There’s a big question each of us should ask ourselves. The question is this:

Who is Jesus?

Psychologists have long known that every person has two great longings and inward needs. The first is to be loved, and the second is to love. But when pressures and heartaches come into our lives, many give up any hope of ever finding love.

The tragedy is that most people often look in the wrong places to fill this deep, deep need and longing. Some substitute lust for love. Others pursue material things or superficial relationships – all in the futile attempt to fill a God-shaped vacuum in the human heart.

But there is good news! The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). On the cross of Christ, God’s mighty love was revealed and offered unconditionally to all who would be saved.

Do you long to know this mighty love? Then I need to ask you the most important questions you’ll ever be ask: Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loves you, that your sins are forgiven, and that you are saved and on your way to heaven?

The great news is, you can know! Let me share with you how.

Admit Your Sin

First, you must admit that you are a sinner. The Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

It is our sin that separates us from God and from fulfilling our deepest needs and longings. Sin is an offense against God that carries a serious penalty. According to Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death [eternal separation from the love and mercy of God].”

Abandon Your Efforts

Second, you might as well abandon any efforts to save yourself. It just won’t work. If we could save ourselves, Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary!

Even “getting religion” cannot get you to heaven. The Bible says it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His [God’s] mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). Salvation is by God’s grace, “not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Acknowledge Christ’s Payment

What you cannot do for yourself, Jesus Christ has done for you! “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He died on the cross for you and then rose from the dead to prove that His payment was acceptable to God. But you must acknowledge and believe this fact. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Accept Jesus as Your Savior

Salvation is God’s gift to you. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). When someone offers you a priceless gift, the best thing you can do is accept it! This very moment, you can receive Christ’s gift of salvation by sincerely praying this simple prayer from your heart:

“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that You love me and want to save me. Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, who died on the cross to pay for my sins. I believe God raised You from the dead. I now turn from my sin and, by faith, receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. Come into my heart, forgive my sins, and save me, Lord Jesus. In Your name I pray, Amen.”

Making the decision to give your life to Jesus is the most important decision you can make in this life. You’ll be forever glad you did! You will live forever somewhere, and accepting Jesus into your life detemines where you will spend eternity. I’d like to meet you in Heaven when this life is over but that will only happen if you give your life to Jesus.

Please write or email me, let me know of your decision. We will rejoice with you and pray for you as you get started in your Christian life. Email: [email protected]