Heaven and hell 

Jesus told a story about it...19. "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 
20. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 
21. and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
22. "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 
23. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. (Luke 16 N.I.V.)

It appears, from polls and surveys taken in recent years, that the majority of Americans believe there is a 'heaven' but either aren't sure or don't believe there is a 'hell.'

A couple of years ago a woman asked me if I believed there was a 'hell' and in the same breath told me she didn't believe there was one - saying she only believed that there were various levels of heaven.

I responded that I might agree with her, if one of those very low levels was also very warm. She failed to see the humor in that.

Yes, I believe there is a place held in reserve for those who have chosen to live separated from the will of God. Peter wrote that it isn't God's will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

However, the choice as to our standing in God's will is completely up to each of us. Those who decide to pursue the will of God in their lives, living in relationship with Him, will eventually join Jesus - who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (I Peter 3:22 N.I.V.)

If we choose not to pursue the will of God in our lives... 4. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 
5. if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 
6. if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 
7. and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 
8. (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)-- 
9. if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.(2 Peter 2 N.I.V.)

Do I believe there's a heaven and a hell? You betcha. It's part of the motivation for "work(ing) out (my) salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12 N.I.V.)

So, I'm on my way to heaven. See you there!