The other day, I watched a video of a pastor discussing the distance between Heaven and Hell. He started by pulling out a tape measure and asking the congregation to estimate the furthest distance in the auditorium—wall to wall, floor to ceiling. Then he posed the question: How far is the distance between Heaven and Hell? He extended the tape measure to around 14 inches and said, “I believe the distance between Heaven and Hell is 12 to 14 inches.” He held the tape measure up to measure the space between his head and his heart, explaining that Heaven and Hell are separated by whether we merely believe in God (head knowledge) or truly obey Him (heart knowledge).
Twelve to fourteen inches—it’s not a great distance. Most people take steps of 30 to 36 inches. We often imagine the distance between Heaven and Hell as vast and unmeasurable, picturing Heaven as above and Hell below. But in reality, the distance between Heaven and Hell is the space between our head and our heart.
Believing in God involves more than just words. As the apostle James says, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe—and shudder.” Consider that: the demons believe and shudder. Humanity often claims to know God without truly understanding His nature. The demons, having witnessed the fall of man and the events of creation, recognize the true power of Jesus Christ, which makes them shudder. The crucial difference between those who claim to believe in God and are truly saved and the demons who also believe in God is repentance.
What sets us apart from demons is our ability and willingness to repent. In the article “What Did Jesus Mean by Repent? The Hebrew Meaning of Teshuva” by Estra Wieja, she explains that the Hebrew word translated as ‘repentance’ is teshuva (תשובה, pronounced “teh-shoo-vah”). Teshuva means much more than a feeling of guilt or regret; it derives from the verb ‘to return.’ To repent is to fundamentally change our thinking, feeling, and being to forsake what is wrong. Repentance is necessary to escape Hell and enter Heaven. It is a heart action, requiring us to forsake our sinful ways, change our mindset, and submit ourselves to the authority of Jesus Christ.
If we live in sin, act contrary to God’s commandments, and lack repentance, we are like the demons who also believe in God. Repentance is the defining act that moves us from Hell to Heaven with Jesus Christ. Choosing not to repent makes us enemies of God. This is why it’s vital to immerse ourselves in the Word of God and listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Ignoring the Spirit’s promptings distances us further from God. Truly believing in God means recognizing our absolute need for Him and understanding what it means to be apart from Him.
For those of us who wonder if we are doing it right, I am reminded of a story in Mark’s Gospel about a father whose son was possessed by a demon. The disciples were unable to cast it out, so the boy was brought to Jesus. The father said, “He has been this way since childhood. The demon often throws him into the fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” Jesus replied, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” The boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:14-29).
This is my daily prayer: “Lord Jesus, help my unbelief!” Our sinful nature tends to doubt Jesus Christ’s words and commandments. This has been a human weakness since the dawn of creation, and the devil knows it well. This is why we are no longer in the Garden of Eden. It is crucial to engage with God’s Word daily. As the author of Hebrews writes, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Don’t let twelve to fourteen inches keep you from being in the House of the Lord and enjoying His presence forever. Separation from God is a profound and painful despondency that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Set aside your pride, seek to truly KNOW Jesus Christ, and understand that it is through Him that you will have everlasting life. Face your sins, repent, and submit your life to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Don’t be like the demons who believe but lack salvation or hope.
Selfless Leadership Is Purposeful Leadership 