12/01/2017
For a God who created the universe, breathed life into man, and on more than one occasion raised the dead... what is death? We are so small, and our experience so limited to this body, and this existence, that all of our judgements have become founded on this little slice of reality that we inhabit. As we look at life and death through a drinking straw we convince ourselves we know what it is; do we? Let’s take a high level look at death...
Many of us have this misconception of our death as being the end of our existence, but it is not. In fact there are two possible deaths, the first is the one we see through our tiny drinking straw, and occurs when our spirit separates itself from our body.
“And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.”Revelation 20:13 ESV
However, the second death is much more profound, it is absolute and ends the life we have known, and that God implanted in us. You could logically conclude that God breathed life into us, and at the end of days, if we are judged unworthy, He will inhale that life back into Himself.
“Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”Revelation 20:14-15 ESV
God has the ability to give us eternal life, but He also has the ability to end life as well. In Revelation this is referred to as taking away our share in the tree of life. Eternal punishment is the absolute end of life... or, the second death.
“and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”Revelation 22:19 ESV
Some view Matthew 25:46 to mean that unworthy souls will be tormented forever by Satan in hell, but that can’t possibly be true because Hebrews tells us that Satan will be destroyed. God is not vindictive, but he is just. Let’s read...
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.”Hebrews 2:14-16 ESV
So there is a first death that we understand because we witness it, and then there is a second death that once complete, at the conclusion of judgement, will bring some to an end forever... not torture, but nothingness; an end to existence.
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For "God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "all things are put in subjection," it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.”1 Corinthians 15:26-27 ESV
Grasp the hem of Jesus’ garment and hold on for all you are worth. Choose life through Him, and avoid the eternal second death that awaits those who are judged sinful before God. You may experience the first death, but in Jesus you will never be included with those who follow Satan into the second death. Worship the Son, and bask in the grace of God. In Jesus Christ you are heir and joint heir to eternity.
Prayer:
Father I thank you for your perfect judgement, grace, and mercy. I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who suffered, died, and was raised from death that I could find redemption and forgiveness in your sight. Holy Father, never let me lose touch with the truth of His redemption, and through Him let me experience life unmeasurable in you. I praise your name Father, and lift you up in my life, that in death I might stand before you in righteousness and glory to receive life eternal by your grace. You are greater than death, you are Lord over all things, and in you life lives, and love abounds... Praised be your name always, for Holy, Holy, Holy are you God Almighty.
“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."”Matthew 25:46 ESV
Rich Forbes