Greetings to all the friends and brothers in Christ.
Reflecting beyond death, it leads us to find an answer, which through the ages poets, philosophers and other writers have tried to explain, understand and deal with the reality of death.
A famous writer was obsessed with the idea of death. His father, an intellectual, had committed suicide when this famous writer was a young man. As a result, the famous writer wanted to show humanity that he did not fear life or death.
Ironically, in an attack of human anger and weakness, at 61 he committed suicide.
The Bible recognizes that physical death is inevitable. In Hebrews 9:27 we read that "it is established that men should die ..."
In a sense, we are all terminally ill. We all must die unless Christ returns during our life.
Someone said correctly: "Young people can die, old people should die".
Physical death is the most stubborn and firm enemy of mankind. But it is not the most dangerous adversary.
The Bible distinguishes between physical death (which we all face with time) and spiritual death (which we all initially experience). In its basic meaning, death means the separation of something or someone. It implies loneliness. As a consequence of his sin, man begins life separated from God and spiritually dead.
A famous existentialist philosopher, observed with accuracy: "The man is alone".
Unless it is for a personal relationship with God and a commitment to Him, man is spiritually dead and very lonely.
The Bible also mentions eternal death or the "second death" (Revelation 20:14). This death is a separation from God, but an eternal and irreversible separation. Anyone who refuses to entrust his life to Jesus Christ here on earth, must experience this eternal death.
Physical death is not the end of man's existence. The question is where we will spend eternity, you and me, in heaven or in hell. There is no other alternative. The reality of death and hell must motivate us as Christians to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the unconverted.
Approximately 150,000 people die daily in the world. Most go to an eternity without Christ. History often records the last words of those who realize that, because they rejected Christ, they have no hope.
The famous French atheist, Voltaire, declared: "In twenty years there will be no more Christianity, only one hand of mine will destroy the building that was raised by twelve apostles." However, when he faced death, he exclaimed: "God and men have abandoned me." Voltaire's doctor expressed his astonishment at the spiritual torment that his patient experienced before moving on to eternity.
In contrast, a great evangelist declared on his deathbed: "The best thing of all is that God is with me." He died satisfied and happy to be in the presence of his Lord.
Friend and dear brother in Christ, death does not have to obsess Christians. If we have given our life to Jesus Christ, we have a glorious future waiting for us beyond death.
Does not it give joy and peace to our hearts to know that this is a reality, knowing that beyond death there is a wonderful future for God himself?