A Sunday school teacher asked some 5-year-olds a series of questions to help them realize that trusting in Jesus is the only way to get to heaven. He asked, "If I sell everything I have and give the money to the church, would that get me into heaven?" "No," they answered. "How about if I keep everything clean in and around the church?" Another "No." "If I love my family, am kind to animals, and give candy to every child I meet, will that get me to heaven?" Another unanimous "No!" Then he asked, "What will get me into heaven?" A little boy shouted, "You have to be dead!"

This was hardly the answer the teacher expected, but the youngster was right. The Bible tells us that we all must leave our flesh-and-blood bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-52). Unless we are alive when Jesus returns, we all must die before entering His presence.

British preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon captured this truth in a sermon titled "Why They Leave Us." He pointed out that Jesus' prayer in John 17:24 is answered every time a Christian dies. The person leaves his body and enters the presence of his Savior, where he beholds His glory. What a comfort for the believer! It reveals the upside of dying. Is that your confidence?
  — Herbert Vander Lugt