Funeral services are for the living. These services are good because they help us to consider our mortality (Ecc. 7:2). I heard the story once of a preacher who stood before a grieving family and "let the hammer down" in regard to the unfaithful life of the one that had died. The preacher brought up the fact that the man had been lukewarm in his service and devotion. The conclusion was clear, the man died lost. Seldom do we hear of such a talk being given at a funeral. Most of the time, when we attend a funeral service, it doesn’t matter who it is that has died, whether it be the most faithful Christian in town or the worst reprobate, the indication will be given that the departed one is now with His God in bliss. Perhaps those of us who speak at such events ought to consider the fact that we cannot preach anyone into heaven nor can we preach anyone into hell. The life the individual led will determine his or her eternal destiny (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 2:6) not what a preacher may say after the person’s spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecc. 12:7).

Who will go to heaven? Considering that at funerals, if a person had any semblance of religion, he is said to be saved. We have all heard it, "brother Jones was a member of such and such church, he accepted the Lord at the age of seven, he was a good man, who loved his family and his kids, who worked hard… therefore we can know that he is with his Lord." Despite the fact that the man never obeyed the pure New Testament gospel (2 Thes. 1:7-9), despite that fact that he was never an active member of a congregation of God’s people (Acts 2:42), despite the fact that he never strove to grow in God’s grace and knowledge (2 Pt. 3:18), the idea is set forth that heaven is going to be His home. Is everybody going to heaven? The answer is "No!" Jesus said only a "few" would be saved and "many" lost (Mt. 7:13,14). Who is going to heaven? Consider…

1. Only those who obey the one gospel of Christ will go to heaven (2 Thes. 1:7-9; John 3:5; Mk. 16:16). Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and has been raised from the dead can be saved (Rom. 10:9,10). This faith must respond in repentance and baptism "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). This new birth causes God to add the person to the one true church of Christ, the body of the saved (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23-25). No one can be saved separate and apart from this plan.
2. Only those who remain faithful to the gospel of Christ will go to heaven (Rev. 2:10; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; Mt. 10:22). The man or woman who becomes a Christian becomes a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). He is to live differently from that point forward. He is not to be like the world (2 Cor. 6:17). His life is to be wrapped up in glorifying God through putting his kingdom first (Mt. 6:33) and by walking in the steps of His Son (1 Jn. 2:6). Only those who die "in the Lord" can move into the realm of eternity in a "blessed" state (Rev. 14:13).

Let us remember that when the final day comes, and we stand before God, it will not matter what some preacher said at our memorial assembly, rather it will be the choices made in life that will make the difference (Jos. 24:15; Deut. 30:19). Is everybody going to heaven? Again, the answer is "No!" Only those who obey God and live as He dictates will enjoy the mansions that await (Mt. 7:21-23; Jn. 14:1-3).