Even from a young age we cannot refute the obvious truth that “there is . . . a time to be born and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).
It can be too easy to view death abstractly – something for future consideration or something that only happens to others. However, while life is a precious gift to be enjoyed, death is a reality to be acknowledged and prepared for. More time is not promised to any of us and there will come a moment when life on this earth is over.
“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14 ESV).
A prevalent cultural view is that when we die the door on our existence is closed, just as the sad embers of a fire are finally extinguished. The Bible makes clear that your very person and being are far greater than such a conclusion could allow. We are all made in God’s image, which means we will exist eternally, and physical death simply opens the door into the realm of eternity.
“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 ESV).
Death leaves no way back. There is repeated emphasis on and forewarning about this in the Bible, because of the dangerous and very real prospect of eternal “spiritual” death. This involves not only a permanent separation from God and every good gift of His that we enjoy in this life, but divine punishment for our naturally God-rejecting lives.
The truly amazing good news, however, is that God has a great care and love for you. God is your Creator, the Giver and Sustainer of your physical life. The ultimate explanation for why any of us are alive is:
“In [God’s] hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10 ESV).
“In Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28 NASB).
God has gifted you physical life but He desires something far better and more lasting for you. Our sinful actions and choices mean that we do not merit God’s love, yet God has engaged with this world through an unparalleled act of love, to conquer death and potentially transform our prospects.
“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 ESV).
God now offers you the greatest gift possible, eternal life in Jesus Christ. You can know this through a simple act of humility, repentance of your sinful choices, and total dependence on Jesus to deliver you from sin’s consequences.
God’s judgement is not a mere religious invention, and neither is God’s forgiveness. His judgement is the righteous consequence of our offences against His holiness, and His forgiveness is justly available to us all through the death of Christ on our behalf, and His subsequent resurrection.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).
There is nothing in this world more valuable, important or lasting than eternal life.
“In [God’s] presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).
Please take a moment to deeply and honestly consider this. Before it is too late, accept what God is offering you.
“In the Scriptures God says, ‘. . . when you needed help, I came to save you.’ That time has come. This is the day for you to be saved” (2 Corinthians 6:2 CEV).
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 ESV).
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