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Jesus Teaches Us About Death

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live even though he dies.” (John 11:25)

Alfred Nobel woke up to a grim and unexpected notice one morning. In the local paper he read his own obituary! You see, the local reporter had mistaken the death of Alfred’s brother for his own. But the appearance of Alfred’s obituary did not alarm him as much as what he read in that obituary. It read, “The Dynamite King has died!” Alfred was described as the man who had made a great fortune from his invention of dynamite.  Sadly, he would be remembered by the world as someone who profited from bringing disaster; a merchant of death and destruction.

Someone once said, “Death is the ultimate statistic.” It’s a hardened reality that is completely inescapable. Death can fill us with a feeling of defenselessness. Most of us do not get the opportunity to reflect on our own death like Alfred did. So when these thoughts creep into our minds, we find ourselves with a lot more questions than answers. When?…Where?…Why?

Our God desires a different statistic for all people. Our Savior Jesus Christ says, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (1 Timothy 2:4). This life that Jesus offers each of us extends beyond the grave. It is life in its fullest; it is life with God forever!

Jesus does not want us to have a heart full of worry and questions about death. Instead he wants us to be confident of his power over death. Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies.” Even though death will make its unwanted visit, Jesus breaks through the gloom of death with the assurance that he will raise all the dead and give eternal life in heaven to those who believe in him.

It’s not so important how people remember us after we die. What is important is that we know Jesus before we die. When questions about death plague our minds, Jesus teaches us to be confident that through faith in him we will live forever!

Why am I afraid of death?

If you want to know about catching fish, a fishing guide can help. If you want to know about cooking, talk to a chef. But, death? Who really knows about death?

No wonder so many people are afraid of dying! The atheist says death is the end of our existence. Others think death is a natural part of life. Who really knows? Can anyone take away our fear?

Yes. The Lord can. THE LORD CAN TAKE AWAY OUR FEARS OF BOTH PHYSICAL DEATH AND SPIRITUAL DEATH.

God tells us in his Holy Word the reason for death. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Also in Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. “Death is the penalty for sin, and since everyone dies, all are indeed sinners. This does scare us!

But, God’s Word tells us something else about death. GOD’S WORD TELLS US THAT EVEN THOUGH WE WILL ALL EXPERIENCE PHYSICAL DEATH, WE DO NOT HAVE TO FEAR THE EXPERIENCE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH.

Do you remember what the thief on the cross next to Jesus asked? “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42). Do you remember Jesus’ answer? “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43).

You see, OUR PHYSICAL death is ONLY THE END OF OUR LIFE ON EARTH. OUR PHYSICAL DEATH is the door to ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN!

But, now I suppose you are afraid of eternity? The Bible tells us “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). You see, everyone who believes that Jesus died on the cross to take away the penalty of sin (eternal death in hell) has the gift of eternal life in heaven.

Now wouldn’t it be great to speak to someone who has already been there and came back to tell us about it. Well, there is. Jesus. Jesus EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL death and CAME BACK TO LIFE to tell us about ETERNAL LIFE IN HIM.

God’s own Son did this, AND TELLS US ABOUT IT IN THE BIBLE. Now that’s one great authority on death we can trust!