Is Whitney Houston In Heaven?

by Kris Barger on February 21, 2012

I like the thought "I hope God is more gracious than I think he is". I aggree, I laughed when you said the curse word in the last 60 seconds! I have had that same argument as a kid with a girl that cursed in a car accident when I was with her. I told her she would have went to hell!! LOL. Well, anyway you asked some very good questions. Nice little read here. Thanks Jason

by Rodger L. Boucher on February 21, 2012

Hi Jason, we have only met real briefly at one of the conferences here in Ohio, so you probably will not remember me, which is irrelevant. I am a Assoc. Pastor and I greatly appreciate your dad as our S.O. But, I do have 1 question. Are you preaching eternal security by saying that bad works cannot unsave us? I believe that we simply cannot preach anyone into Heaven or Hell because we do not know their heart. For some, such as your wonderful mom, it is very easy for us to say where she is spending eternity. For cases such as Whitney, not so much. But, though our works cannot save us, I do believe we can throw our salvation away by by our works that reject Jesus Christ and His holiness. Great article. I do get where you are coming from; I just thought that one line was kind of interesting.

by Ryan Ogden on February 21, 2012

Good read. As a pastor...and growing up as a pastor's kid I've heard alot of people pass judgement with limited knowledge. How many times have I heard preachers bash sex, drugs, and rock n roll...but never fried chicken. Thanks for the post.

by Greg Isaacs on February 21, 2012

OK..OK..why the kick on coffee? >>I guess I’m just trying to ask the question “why does someone who can’t kick drugs get punished more than someone who can’t kick coffee?”<< --are we supposed to kick coffee?? I have read many, many health BENEFITS...hahaha..I love coffee..it's my addiction of choice!!!.....I completely agree with this article...I have been saying this past week... I will NOT say she is heaven & I will NOT say she is in Hell.....we do not see the heart...we do not know the mind...who are we to set ourselves as judges...I thank God that I don't have to make those kind of decisions, we as believers have taken on that roll too much in the past & to detriment. I heard a dying man once tell his brother while he was dying & his brother pleading him to give his heart to the Lord that he could'nt bc/ he could not give up smoking & this was due to his wife, for YEARS scolding him that he could never be a Christian & smoke...S-A-D. @Ryan Ogden hahaha...>>never fried chicken<<..that's funny

by Kris Barger on February 21, 2012

Ryan, great observation!! I speak from experience. There would not be any Christian look at me and question my salvation. Let me explain... I do not smoke drink or do drugs or listen to gangsta rap! LOL But 12 months ago I weighed 320 pounds and I am only 5'11". I practiced no restraint in my diet which consisted of as much of anything I could want. But, no Christian would ever doubt for a second my salvation even though I was horribly addicted to food sugar and never passed up a mocha when I passed a Starbucks. Over the past 11 months I have lost 75 pounds! I can tell you without a doubt I was addicted to food. If it had been tobacco people would have looked at me odd but maybe dealt with it. But, something like Whitney faced? folks are ready to say she had no relationship with God. My point is that everyone has some wood in their own eye and they should remove it before they point at someone else's plank in their eye. Addiction is addiction, don't believe me? Try cutting sugar and caffeine and greese out of your diet! Better get ready for some real withdraws!

by D Morgan Washington on February 21, 2012

Great post. My husband and I had a similar conversation this morning. I have concluded that we "put the people in heaven" that we want to be in heaven and we "put in hell" the people who we really don't like! Sadly, the Body of Christ leads the guilty crowd in this area. We call political candidates a "real man of God" if we like that candidate and a "big hypocrite who can't possibly be saved" if we don't like them. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ---but I really hate this character trait that is sadly, very common amongst the Body of Believers. Ultimately, I have concluded that I am not God; however, I do wish that my brothers and sisters would realize that they are not God either. His ways are still mysterious. He still reigns as the ONLY QUALIFIED JUDGE of a man's heart! We take our "rights to inspect" the fruits of a man and go fiercely overboard with judging their eternity. I too, being a PK turned minister, have found myself doing the "safe repentance" routine for anything that could remotely be considered a sin just in case God should call me and I haven't repented over those extra cupcakes that clearly must have moved me into gluttony---yep that's on one of the Bible lists also. Ultimately, none of us know if Whitney or any other Believer-in-Question made it into heaven. That's why we rejoice so much over those who clearly die in the Lord with a life of fruit as their witness. From Whitney's death and at her funeral, it really would have been rude of any of the speakers to take the platform and say "Ya'll I doubt she made it in!!" It WAS her funeral service. As an honor to God, I don't think I would have boldly declared that she was in heaven either. While watching, although he has received some criticism for his message, I credit Bishop Marvin Winans who never "put her in heaven" but admonished the crowd to follow the manual for life, The Bible and to make God THE PRIORITY of their lives. I applaud CeCe Winans, who loved Whitney dearly and is God-Mother to Whitney's daughter, she stated publicly, that "I pray Whitney is in the Arms of Jesus." Ultimately, that's all any of us can do---pray for the salvation and eternal rest of anyone. Watching the Body of Believers is always interesting when they start passing out preferential passes to the Kingdom. It makes me shake my head and laugh--I can only imagine God our Father laughing as well. I can really appreciate and respect your post, a great read.

by on February 21, 2012

Perhaps the real question being asked is "When does salvation occur". Here is a concept of "salvation" that I believe would be fairly "new" to people. Don't get me wrong it's nothing "earth shattering", but it harmonizes discipleship and salvation. It is best described by Greg Boyd. Here is what he says in a nutshell and I will provide the link to this below. "Question: I grew up in a strict, fundamentalist community and our whole goal in life was to get people to pray “the sinners prayer.” Once they prayed this prayer, we believed, they were “saved.” But the vast majority of these people went on living like nothing happened. I’m now questioning if this is the right way to lead people to Christ. So, can you tell me your view of when salvation happens, and how it happens? Answer: The New Testament describes salvation both as a past act, a present process, and a future arrival point. Also, the biblical concept of salvation isn’t a “rescue (from hell)” thing. It’s a “Kingdom wholeness” thing. It’s about entering into a life giving, Kingdom building relationship with Christ. It’s best not to put the question of “when salvation happens” into a legal framework (like a court of law). It’s better to rather frame it in a covenant framework. “Getting saved” isn’t like signing up for an insurance policy (the legal framework). It’s like getting married (the covenant framework). Salvation (= kingdom wholeness) begins with a covenant pledge and it grows as one lives out that pledge day by day. We are the “bride” of Christ, betrothed to Jesus. This begins with our “I do.” We grow as we live this pledge out every day — the bride “making herself ready.” And someday our groom will come back for his bride and we’ll “consummate” the marriage eternally. When I have an opportunity to “lead people to Christ,” I explain to them what I just told you. If they are ready, I simply lead them in a short prayer in which they confess their sin, ask for forgiveness, and pledge their life to Christ. It’s no different than a pastor leading two people as they enter into marriage vows. But I explain to them, very carefully, that this is not a magical “rescue prayer.” It is a marriage vow. Their pledge only has as much meaning as they give it every subsequent moment of their life. Given how prevalent the “magical rescue” understanding of the sinner’s prayer is, I now consider it irresponsible to have people pray it unless I have time to clearly explain to them what they’re being asked to do, and what the cost is. They’re surrendering their life! This shouldn’t be entered into frivolously. I worry that many today give lost people a false assurance that they’re “saved” because they prayed a “magical,” meaningless, prayer." http://www.gregboyd.org/qa/salvation/when-does-salvation-happen/

by Donna Reid Steele on February 21, 2012

I have wondered the same thing myself. As I read the comments that have been posted, it reminds me of a truth that God recently shared with me. I was questioning the salvation of someone who had taken their own life. The thought that I had was when Christ died on the cross, he provided a way for my salvation and my healing. When I accepted the gift of salvation I also accepted the gift of healing. Well, then, why are some people not healed? Why can they not accept the gift of healing just as they accept the gift of salvation. Think about the person who needs a physical healing, but can't accept that Christ has already provided that healing. Because of their lack of faith, they may die an early death. The same is true with spiritual healing. Christ provided for my spiritual healing at the same time he provided salvation. However, some people will never receive the mental and emotional healing they need in their lives while living on this earth. Does that make them any different than the person who can't accept their physical healing on this earth? I don't think so. I believe God understands our lack of faith and our inability to accept things that can't be seen in the natural realm. I serve a mighty God and I believe we have no idea how limitless is His mercy. I believe we will be amazed at who makes it to heaven and who doesn't. Just a thought.

by Jeremy Isaacs on February 21, 2012

Donna, just trying to make sure I understand: You state "Think about the person who needs a physical healing, but can't accept that Christ has already provided that healing. Because of their lack of faith, they may die an early death." So you are saying that my mom who died of cancer this past year, was given healing by God through Jesus on the cross, but she died "early" in this life because she didn't have faith enough to receive it from Him? And those that are healed in this life have more faith and are therefore able to receive it?

by Jamie Hitchcock on February 21, 2012

Hello Jason, These are some tough questions that i've been asking as well. I think we just don't know the heart, only God. We don't know but what Whitney would pray every night to be free. I heard T.D.Jakes preach a message one time and he said there is a differance between sheep and pigs, when pigs get in the mud they wallow in it,but when sheep get in the mud they cry to get out. It would have been difficult to preach that funeral because you wouldn't want people to think its ok to live that way, but God amazingly used Pastor Winans.

by Peggy W West on February 21, 2012

Hi Bro Jason, I think scripture makes it clear who goes to heaven and who doesnt. The bible commands us to strive to enter into the straight gate the narrow road. That implies a continual struggle in this life against the world, flesh and the devil. Again the bible commands us to put a separation between the holy and the profane and touch not the unclean thing. What struck me about Whitney Houston was how she reminded me of Samson she had lost her incredible voice and never got it back. I watched a Piers Morgan interview with celebrity former druggies and the consensus was that Whitney deliberatly chose those drugs and was surrounded by enablers- to her eternal peril. We must be loyal to Christ - we must have His back. If He says its eternal damnation then it is. Personally I believe Jesus did this just as sure as He allowed that tsunami in Japan. Satan is dead serious and so is Jesus Christ. As the old spiritual said "everyone talking about heaven aint going there"

by Crystal Spraggins on February 21, 2012

Thanks for this article. I've been wondering about some of the same things. I appreciate your comment that your opinion is not needed, because I recognize that MY opinion is not needed either, but that doesn't stop me from pondering these questions and offering it! I agree with you that we just can't know. I think that when you spend a lot of time with someone and talk about these things that you sometimes can know (for example, I KNOW my mother was a believer--she died of cancer), but in the case of Whitney Houston, I certainly never got that chance. Some of the things she did had me wondering, but then there were things I've heard her say that in my opinion no one but a Christian would say. But, what do I really know? I pray along with Cece that Whitney is in heaven. I know I'm going, and to have her there as well would be AWESOME.

by Donna Geyer on February 21, 2012

Ultimately, there is only One who knows the true pain and hurt that Whitney was going through and what drove her to do the things that she did. That same One also truly knows her heart. For all we know this could have been God's way of finally giving Whitney peace! Always being in the spotlight makes getting out almost impossible, you can't escape without someone finding out and making a big deal out of a few mis-steps. I was also a victom of drugs and surrounded by only people who did the same. It was fun for a while but then I was just stuck in that lifestyle and was slowly losing everything. When I got saved I was at a point in my life where I was either going to end it or change it. If Whitney lived around the corner from a little church full of love, understanding and encouragement, would the outcome been different? This is a lesson to all Christiand not to judge, but to be an extension of God's love through the examples set before us by Jesus's teachings. Just set an example by being a friend to your neighbor and not a judge. Accept them for who they are and not what they are. RIP Whitney, God bless you.

by Dawn Ridge Elmore on February 22, 2012

At the point that we start having this debate don't we lose it? Aren't we missing the whole point? It's like you say in your sermons, Jason, "It's about the heart." One of the hardest things we will ever be challenged to do in this life is to love an addict without enabling the addiction. Just ask their friends and families. We are not called to spell out the rules and debate the fine points of religion. We are called to love. It's that simple and if we find ourselves doing anything else, we need to get ourselves into check. I'm with you, Jason... God is so much more gracious than man can even fathom and we just keep breaking his heart.

by Ron Smith on February 24, 2012

I would have to respectfully disagree with the premise here. Of course, if in the moments before Whitney died, she could have cried out to God, just as the thief on the cross. But, I believe the word addiction is WAY overused in society AND in the Church today. Your premise APPEARS sound at first glance, but the flaws, in my opinion, become evident uoin further examination. Addictions you listed ARE sins according to Scripture. First and foremost we MUST recignize that. Gluttony IS sin! We cannot overlook that. It is NOT addiction...it is SIN. That is not up for debate...Scripture says it is sin. Gossip IS sin. It is NOT addiction...it is SIN. AGAIN...not up for debate. Now, just where does addiction become OK to God? What if the so-called addiction is to sex? Fornication/adultery IS sin. What if the so-called addiction is stealing? Stealing IS sin. It seems to me under the guise of ADDICTION we are actually lowering the standard of holiness, righteousness and, yes, even grace. In my opinion...my own thoughts...I believe what WAY TO MANY are now doing...maybe Whitney...is admitting, believing, confessing even...yet they lack the one main ingredient that TRULY changes a life...REPENTANCE: TURNING AWAY FROM THE SIN, WALKING IN A NEW DIRECTION. We have taught the ABCs of Salvation..yet that is a flawed lesson. Jesus would command the 7 Churches in Revelation to do ONE thing...and it wasn't to admit, believe, nor confess...it was REPENT. You show me samvatiin without change...and I will show you a heretical false doctrine as warned about in Scrioture...having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof...and I will show you a FALSE salvation. By the way, your mom was a GREAT woman of faith! I love her and your dad dearly. They have been great examples in my life. Do not worry when people have false beliefs on healing. Again, just false gospels that ensnare believers. We are NOT promised health, wealth, prosoerity here on earth. But your mom sure has all 3 of those now...yet, they do not matter to her. Why? She is sitting with Jesus! Amen!

by Ron Smith on February 24, 2012

I apologize for my typographical errors. I am using mobile and it is difficult to check errors. God bless!

by Andrea Speelman on February 25, 2012

As a christian the Lord confirmed with me that Whitney Houston is in heaven. I had a vision of a much younger Whitney with the Lord. The vision happened after I had learned of her death. He confirmed it with me twice as the first time I was doubtful. The more I read about the final moments of her life the more it is obvious that she was seeking God. Singing songs about Jesus and telling others that her time was short on this earth. It's apparent that she seeked forgiveness in the end. It's a mistake to judge her based on her past. What really matters is if she made things right with God before parting this life. There is a scripture that comes to mind and it has to do with judging people from a bad lifestyle they may have lived. Many of the religious leaders in Jesus' day would keep people living in sin in a box as if it were impossible for them to enter into heaven. It is these people who God has compassion for because they hurt the most and the world won't let them be forgiven (i.e. media). Read Matthew 21:31- I recommend reading the entire chapter. God Bless

by Ron Smith on March 01, 2012

I would respectfully point out that NUMEROUS accounts of her last weeks show her to be drinking heavily and partying. These accounts are by friends and those who loved her...reported then, and attested to, by nes

by Ron Smith on March 01, 2012

...and attested to, by news outlets etc. Yes, Whitney could have asked God to save her during her last moments. But even friends have readily admitted to her drinking heavily the night before her death. Unless she was seeking God in clubs and in bottles, I would disagree with a statement saying she was seeking God. We must be careful claiming someone is in heaven or, for that matter, hell. Whitney drank heavily and was hooked on drugs. Those are known facts. Too many are willing to let peiple sin their way into heaven. But, alas, neither I nor anyone knows for sure of Whitney's final destination. But we MUST use these times to preach the message that living in sin is a dangerous game to play. When I die, I would hope that, by my life, everyone can KNOW where I am...Heaven....and that there will not have to be questions nor debates. No...I have to say, I believe no vision has been given as to Whitney's eternal home, and we will all continually wonder. God bless.