02/18/2021
As a Christian we shouldn’t fear death; not because we won’t feel pain when we physically die, but because we have already died, and our life is hidden in Christ. Our death will be as His was, but thank God it will include a resurrection like His, and we will receive a glorified body as well. How can we possibly fear a death that ends with Jesus Christ, and standing in glory before the throne of God?
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:3-4 ESV
As I have written before, I experienced a near death drowning episode as a teenager, and as I was sinking into the lake, I knew I was dying, but strangely enough I felt no pain, and wasn’t afraid, and as a matter of fact it was anything but frightening, it was exhilarating, and amazingly electric. The joy, peace, and glory of that moment all mixed together to form something indescribable. I have often told people it was like a joining, or a quickening... not a separation or going away. I can’t speak for every death, but this is what I felt, and what I now believe awaits me, and other Christians too.
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
Romans 6:5 ESV
Being with Him after death was a common teaching of Jesus, and His disciples continued to teach this after His ascension, but despite their teaching regarding death, many Christians still live with a fear of dying. The reasons are many, and include such things as being afraid of the pain or process of physically dying, some worry about what will become of those they are leaving behind, others don’t want to be separated from family, and all those they love... you see, the list of reasons one can fear death goes on and on, but there is only one reason we should not fear, and that is the loving goodness of God, and Jesus Christ. The Word of God is truth, and the death and resurrection of Jesus demonstrated that what was written in His Word was indeed truth, and after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, His disciples continued to teach that same amazing truth. Listen to Paul...
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV
However, not fearing death doesn’t mean that we should take our own lives. It is not wonderful to die, no, it is wonderful to be with God and Jesus in eternity. Our bodies do not belong to us, and are not ours to take, here are a couple of scriptural passages regarding this...
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
And then again...
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV
So the truth is that as men and women of faith our bodies belong to God as His temple, and if we or anyone else destroys that temple they must account for their action before God Himself. This is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses...
““You shall not murder.”
Exodus 20:13 ESV
Early on in the Bible scripture reasons with us concerning not taking our own lives, and we are told that there is no justification by faith to do so. Taking your own life to hurry your being with God, or any other spiritual reason is false doctrine, and a lie told by Satan. We are not meant to take our life before the time set by God... even if we convince ourselves that it is righteous to do so. Taking our life is murder.
“In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?”
Ecclesiastes 7:15-17 ESV
So, our body is not ours but belongs to God, and only God who gave that life can take it. In this way we are not to fear death for any reason because all things on earth and in heaven, are in the hands of a good and merciful God whose perfect plan includes our birth, and just as certainly... our death.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the life that you breathed into us at birth, and thank you for the glory of Jesus that shepherds us into death, and into your presence. You are merciful Father, and through our belief in Christ you provide us with certain redemption, a righteous existence, and eternity with you. We are blessed to know you in life, and when leaving this earthly existence we are told to have no fear. It is a thrill to join you for eternity Lord. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who holds our lives as His. Praised be your name for every moment of living, the loves, the births, the wonderful moments of accomplishment we achieve for your glory, and Father thank you for the momentary suffering that transitions us through death, and into your arms. You are a merciful God; sending your Son Jesus, and a heavenly host to meet us at the doorway between life and death to ease our transition, and put an end to any fear we might be carrying as we enter into eternity in your Love. How amazing is your grace Father, and the cleansing blood of Jesus that covers the sin that once convicted us. Hear us as we praise you, worship you, and humble ourselves before you! Give us patience Father to wait on that glorious moment you have planned for us to join you, and come quickly Lord Jesus to claim us.
Rich Forbes