There are two appointments every person must fulfill. We must die. We must face judgment before a just and loving God.
According to the Bible, every one of us will live forever. The issue: where will we spend eternity?
Rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne, just died at the age of 76 from Parkinson’s disease, having “suffered five years of absolute hell.”
Where is he now?
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How about Elvis Presley? Whitney Houston? Michael Jackson? Pope Francis? JFK?
Is it possible to have a definitive answer?
God’s Pardon
Billy Graham said, “I entrust the matter entirely to a loving and just God.” He then repeated Christ’s response to “Nick At Nite” (Nicodemus), a religious man who came to Jesus after dark:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes (not intellectual ascent but total trust) should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God,” (John 3:16-19).
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When anyone genuinely repents from his sin and places his trust totally in Jesus’ sacrificial death (in his place) he is “born again,” forgiven, saved from judgement to follow Him as Lord and Savior and experience abundant and eternal life. It’s a gift not deserved, earned or achieved by any good works (Eph. 2:8-9).
How about Ozzy Osbourne the “Prince of Darkness” for his heavy metal band “Black Sabbath?”
God’s gracious pardon is only effective for those who are willing to humble themselves to do it God’s way!
In 1830, George Wilson was tried by a U.S. court in Philadelphia for robbery and murder and was sentenced to hang. President Andrew Jackson pardoned him, but Wilson refused the pardon. Wilson insisted it was not a pardon unless he accepted it. The question was brought before the Supreme Court. Chief Justice, John Marshall wrote the following decision:
“A pardon is a paper, the value of which depends upon its acceptance by the person implicated. It’s hardly to be supposed that one under sentence of death would refuse to accept such a pardon, but if it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must hang.” He was hanged!
Ozzy Speaks
• In his memoir, “I am Ozzy” he said: “If there is a heaven or hell, I’m going to be in the middle of them both! I’ve done some terrible things. I hope God can forgive me.”
• “I’ve always believed there’s a God. I don’t worship the devil. I never have!”
– Rolling Stone magazine (2004)
• “I’m a Christian! I used to go to Sunday School.”
– The Guardian (2014).
• “Is God just a thought within your head or is he a part of you? Is Christ just a name that you read in a book when you were in school? Could it be you’re afraid of what your friends might say… Open your eyes, just realize that He’s the one the only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate!”
– “After Forever” lyrics.
• “I prayed before every one of my shows!”
– New York Times
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Ozzy Osbourne stated his mom was a Catholic and his dad was Anglican. He was dyslexic, suicidal and bullied as a teen. He called his stage antics “theater,” wore a cross (fashion statement?) and treasured a personalized Bible. Was he like Alice Cooper who had a genuine conversion?
His wife Sharon identified with Judaism and supported Israel. They were married 33 years. She helped him in his addiction battle as he often cited the “Serenity Prayer.”
Here’s the deal: Billy Graham once said that when we get to heaven, we’re going to be surprised at some of the people who are there and at others who aren’t. Having once played in a band, called “The Lost Souls,” I’ll trust Ozzy in the hands of almighty God.
Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of 10 books, cultural commentator of 50 years, Intercessors for America board member and a public policy adviser with Liberty Counsel. Go to larrytomczak.com to watch 30 amazing, free, brief, on-demand videos by America’s top leaders so you can confidently address today’s tough issues.
