Christianity has traditionally taught when a person dies, they will transcend to either heaven or hell, based upon their actions on Earth. Evangelical leader T.D. Jakes is no different from his colleagues in the assertion there is an afterlife and heaven does exist.
Here are three memorable statements made by Jakes about the existence of heaven and how to get there:
1. Regarding his new film "Heaven is Real," which depicts a young boy and his near-death experience, Jakes addressed the afterlife,
according to Charisma News.
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"People are attracted to the simplicity of Colton's story. The vivid detail and the certainty of his experience are the most compelling elements. I also believe that there is a growing wonder about life after death in our culture. The notion of heaven captures people's imagination regardless of their religious predisposition. The need to find purpose in life is often driving that curiosity. Believing in the hereafter provides an anchor for the soul, and a resting place for one's faith."
2. Jakes addressed both heaven and hell in
an interview with the Christian Post.
"I think, when we start dealing with heaven or hell issues, what we really need to gravitate toward is that man is an eternal spirit. If you believe that he is an eternal spirit, then all it does, it abandons the body. The debate is what happens to the spirit, the essence of the man after death, be in heaven or hell? As a Christian, Christ died so that we will have eternal life in him in heaven. What it looks like doesn't matter, what it smells like doesn't matter, as long as Christ is there it will be heaven to me."
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3. Sin doesn't necessarily determine whether or not you go to heaven,
writes Jakes in his salvation packet.
"Perhaps, like most people, you believe that just because you are a good person you will go to heaven. However, Romans 3:23 says, '… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'"
He adds, "Does that include you? Romans 6:23 goes on to say, '… the wages of sin is death.' You see, God knows we desire to live an upright and moral life. He knows that we basically want to do the right thing. More importantly, He knows that as humans we are weak and at times are unable to overcome sin in our lives. For that reason, He sent his son, Jesus, as a substitute to die for our sins. You see, there is power in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. When we go to God and ask forgiveness of sin, the blood of Jesus covers our sins. It says, 'We are no longer guilty.'"
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