I’ve often asked myself this question. It’s a legitimate concern for me because I love music and I love going to shows. I love the feeling music alone gives me, and the power of performances is like nothing else.
So in light of what happened at a concert in Manchester recently, the question popped up again: If I died at a concert, would I go to heaven?
(*Note: I’m not at all giving any kind of judgment to any of those people who lost their lives at that concert in Manchester. My heart aches when tragedies like these occur. I don’t know their lives nor their hearts, and I’m not here to sentence anyone—that’s not my job.)
I’ve gone to countless shows. I’ve even seen one band nearly 20 times alone.
Here’s the thing though.
Within the last maybe year or so, I’ve really felt my concert-going days would soon be over for me. I felt God was calling me to set my mind on things above, and going to shows was something I had to let go of. If I’m honest (though through gritted teeth), I think it’s a pretty clear conviction for me.
Though yes, I’ve tried to ignore it. There are many, many concerts I want to go to this year. If I go to one of these concerts and end up dying, what does that mean for me? Where will I end up? Would my Christian life up to that point not matter? Did I just damn myself by that one decision, that one choice to go?
Is it dangerous to do something we know we shouldn’t be doing? Where do justice, grace, and mercy come into play?
Does ignoring our convictions and rationalizing them away end up leading us to an inevitable path of destruction?
A Heart for Heaven 
I hear your struggle loud and clear! My first comment relates to the inference that going to a concert could be inherently dangerous and begs the question of whether you should go… I don’t believe going to a concert is intrinsically more dangerous than a million other activities you may choose. If you’re convicted to not go, you have to oblige your conviction… if it’s simply a matter of danger, I have to differ with your conclusion.
Secondly, there is a more far-reaching truth at play here: God’s providence will always prevail regardless of what our free-will choices are. I realize predestination vs. free-will is a conceptual dilemma that only God can provide insight on (if He chooses) but, personally, I have to maintain my confidence that God will always attain His will and purpose regardless of my (often poor) decisions. He’s certainly proved it over and over again during the last 58 years for me.
Frankly, our earthly life is going to be over when God allows it to be over… so I say go and enjoy the things that bring you joy, experience the things that lift you up spiritually and emotionally, love each moment of every day knowing that God has you in His hands and in His plans wherever you may be.
Blessings on you and your courage to speak loudly and profoundly!
Greg Morton
You posed a great question. I would ask myself if I can be saved while I rebel against the clear will of God. To me that is the bigger picture. We are being called to live in a way that we can meet Jesus, face to face. I want to be there.
I’m sure it wouldn’t take us long to look at multiple christian principles that are broken at places concerts and such.
This is so much bigger than a concert isn’t it? It’s about being totally surrendered to God’s will regardless of what my fleshly desires are. God will not overrule our own free choice, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be consequences to pay.