Is Michael Jackson in Heaven or Hell?
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The entire globe was shocked when pop icon Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. His body went through two autopsies and was finally buried after more than sixty days. The spirit of Michael Jackson lives on through his music and influence, but where is his soul?
Beyond the obvious questions of his promiscuity with children and crazy behavior, Michael Jackson seemed to be an amazing individual who cared about others. His creativity with song and dance allowed him to funnel millions of dollars to the deprived. In 1985 Jackson wrote and performed "We Are the World" with Lionel Richie and an all-star cast to raise money for Africa. All proceeds from his record "The Man In The Mirror" were donated to the Ronald McDonald Camp for Good Times. Even the Guinness Book of World Records recently acknowledged him as the "pop star who supports the most charity." Did Michael Jackson's good deeds and kindness earn him a place in heaven? Is Saint Peter learning the moon walk from the king of pop?
As a child, Michael Jackson was raised a Jehovah's Witness. This group teaches that there is no hell and there is no life after death until Christ comes back to earth to resurrect the dead. Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door to door preaching and distribution of the "Awake!" magazine. They use the name "Jehovah" in place of the sacred name YHWH, deny the deity of Messiah, and insist that their church is the only path to heaven.
During a 2005 trial for molesting a child, Jackson turned to Kabbalah for solace. The religion of "kabbalah" is a type of Jewish mysticism that tries to shortcut a path to heaven through good deeds, meditation, and esoteric wisdom. While learning Kabbalah, Jackson consulted an Orthodox Jewish rabbi and Guru Deepak Chopra for advice. His fascination with New Ageism ended in 2008 when the king of pop visited many Muslim Gulf nations. News outlets stated that he, like his brother Jermaine, had converted to Islam. Michael reportedly changed his name to "Mikaeel" after taking the "shahada," which is a pledge of allegiance to Allah and Mohammed's prophecy. Islam is the world's fastest growing religion with one out of every five people professing to follow Allah. This anti-Christian religion teaches that to attain paradise, a person's good deeds must outweigh their evil actions. They believe that the only sure way to make it to heaven is for a Muslim to die in a jihad or "holy war" against the infidels.
Internet rumors claiming that Gospel singer Andre Crouch lead Jackson to accept Messiah as his personal Savior weeks before he passed were proven false soon after they began spreading. The various religious conversions through his life show that Jackson was searching for spiritual truth. Indeed, the fruit of his life was mixed of both good and bad. And even though some doctors have called his death a homicide, the Bible states that he died of sin. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of YHWH is eternal life," Romans 6:23. It is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgment. Michael Jackson stood before the Almighty, and had to answer for his actions and his faith. Truth be told, no one knows what was in Michael's heart when he passed. What we do know is that even though he had fame and fortune, Michael did not have Spiritual peace. Whether Michael Jackson is in heaven or hell is a question that should cause each person to search their own life to ensure they are in right standing with the Almighty through His Son.
The Bible states that a person who commits one sin is guilty of breaking the entire Law. Disobediane to the law renders a person unclean and in need of rescue. The Messiah Y'shua paid the death penalty of sin by giving his life and being buried. He resurrected three days later to prove His power over death and the grave. He extends eternal life to all who would acknowledge their sinfulness call upon him in belief. "If you confess with your mouth, "Y'shua is Savior," and believe in your heart that YHWH raised him from the dead, you will be saved," Romans 10:9.
The "Finding the Truth" series is a collection of teachings written by Daniel Rendelman of Emet Ministries. Find more teachings, audio messages, videos, and music at www.emetministries.com.
Daniel Rendelman is the found and leader of Emet Ministries and the author of the book "Finding the Truth." He, his wife, and five children live in Newberry, South Carolina. He can be reached at emetministries@gmail.com .
