As The Makropulos Case opened at New York's Metropolitan Opera on January 5, 1996, tenor Richard Versalle was performing. He mounted a ladder and sang, "You can only live so long" as part of the action. Then, without warning, he was knocked off the ladder. The singer died of a heart attack, which is a terrible loss. He had no idea he was saying them for the last time.

One day, we shall all speak our final words. It makes no difference whether you are an opera singer, CEO, global leader, gang member, or a complete unknown. Eventually, we'll all expire.

If it were your birthday today, what would you do? For all of time and space, where would you like to reside?

As the Bible puts it, "it is decreed for mankind to die once, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV).

After death, there are no do-overs, but in life, you have many opportunities. Purgatory does not exist. You do not live a previous life. It's impossible to make any kind of attempt at compromise at this time. There is nothing left to do after death.

However, where you spend eternity is a choice you make before you die.

As of right now, you're either... You are either on the straight and narrow path that leads to life or the wide route that ends in death. You're either living the blessed Christian life, full of joy and significance, or the unhappy, empty existence apart from God.

If you say "yes" to Him today, He will accept your answer on judgment day. Come in now, Lord, and He will say in to you on the last day of eternity. But if you reject him right now, he won't accept your rejection afterwards. The decision is entirely up to you.

Heaven or hell are the two possible last resting places. The destination is up to you.