Death, Taxes and Eternity

Death, Taxes and Eternity
There is a famous saying that many of us have come accustomed to and is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”  Well, I would like to add one more thing, “Eternal life.”
First, concerning death, one doesn’t need to say much about that for the ratio is still 100%.  Death has been on this planet since the fall of man (Gen 3), and Genesis 5 has the reoccurring refrain, “and then he died…and then he died.” One day, our name will appear in the obituaries. That's not life, but death!
Second, there are not many people who like paying taxes.  However, you cannot get away from it even though we all like to be minimalists when it comes to paying tax.  Former Australian billionaire, Mr. Kerry Packer was asked by a Senate enquiry, “How come you pay so little tax?”  Kerry Packer quipped back, “I don’t pay much tax because you guys (referring to the government) don’t spend it all that well.”  However, paying tax is quite a biblical thing to do, for Jesus said that we should give to God what belongs to Him and to Caesar what belongs to him (Matthew 22:21). 
Third, eternal life is also a certainty.  Granted, many people don’t like to necessarily think about it, but it will surely be, for the Scripture teaches that there is such a thing as ‘eternal life’ (Mat 19:29; 24:31-46; Mk 10:30; Jn 3:15; 3:36; 5:24 and many more), both for believers and non-believers alike. 
The question we all need to deal with is where will we spend eternity?  The Scriptures answer that question by stating unequivocally that all who believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for their forgiveness and salvation will spend eternity in glory (Jn 3:16; 2 Cor 5; etc). Those who do not believe will spend eternity away from God’s presence in a place where there will be gnashing of teeth (Mat 25:30; Mk 13:28). 
So three things are certain in life, death, taxes and eternity.  The first two are a given and we have very little choice, even though we would like to think we have.  However, when it comes to our eternity, Scripture gives us two options, eternal life in the glorious presence of our Saviour God, or eternal life away from God’s glorious presence.  So, how do we decide? Well, let's allow Scripture to answer again, “So, as the Holy Spirit says, today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7; 15; 4:7).
Prayer: Lord, may your Holy Spirit cause us to embrace Your Son as Saviour, now and forever. Amen. JZ.