The Facts of Death

Every human ever born or created, with two exceptions, (Enoch and Elijah) has eventually died.  Adam, the only human created from the dust lived to be 930 years, but he died. Methuselah live to be 969, the oldest human ever, but he died as well. Noah was a righteous man, and was saved by water, but he died at 950. Abraham was called a friend of God, and had great faith to offer Isaac to God for sacrifice, but he died as well. The fathers, and the prophets, kings and commoners, all came and went one by one. The blessed apostles who preached the gospel in every nation, and  to every creature all perished. Lazarus who died and was raised from the dead by Jesus eventually died a second time. Even Jesus Christ, the son of the living God died between two malefactors. The only difference is that he arose from the dead by the glory of the Father. It’s appointed for all mankind to die, but after this comes the judgment. Heb 9:27

Facts About Death

Once a person dies, they never come back on earth to live again. When a person die they go to a place called Hades. Hades is divided into two places. One for the righteous, and the other for the unrighteous. The story of the rich man and Lazarus describes the two places: One is a place of great suffering and torment, and the second place is called Abraham’s Bosom, where there is peace and rest. There is no escape out of hell, and there is no way to get into Abraham’s Bosom from hell. Lk 16:19-31 Once one is among the dead, they will remain among the dead. Therefore, if we don’t get it right the first time, there won’t be a second chance.

Death Of The Righteous

To all those who die in the Lord, heaven is their reward. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord that they may have rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. Rev 14:13 The good works of some are made known beforehand, and they that otherwise can’t be hid. 1 Tim 5:25  All those who obey the gospel of Christ, and remain faithful to it will receive their crown of life. Rev 2:10 All the suffering they suffered for the cause of Christ will be rewarded with eternal rest with Christ. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Ps 116:15 Death has no power over those who die in the Lord. Rev 2:11; Rev 20:6

Death Of The Sinner

For those who continue in their sins, death will be a great day of sorrow! When death comes, their soul will leave the physical temple, and wake up in the eternal flames of a burning Hell. Paul spoke of “the sting of death”  in 1 Cor 15:55 The soul that has been careless, indifferent, unconcerned, and rebellious will have a sad awakening!

For the man who has lived a wicked life, death is definitely punishment to come. Yet he enjoyed life to it’s fullest. He got wealthy, and enjoyed a life of relaxation, while the poor and disabled around him went in want. He enjoyed the lusts and luxury that this world has to offer. He received fame and success, and all the accolades that comes with wickedness. Oh, the sting of death comes suddenly to this man!

Death Of The Almost Saved

On the other hand, imagine the man who heard the gospel of Christ, and obeyed it. He attended every church service. He read and studied his bible daily. He taught God’s Word and converted many. He gave to the poor even when he had little. He never got rich, and he never got famous all because he was too busy serving God.

Yet, this man had one hidden sin that he never repented of, and refused to put away. He had divorced his wife before becoming a Christian for irreconcilable differences, and once he became a Christian he remarried. He was taught that the marital law didn’t apply to sinners. He was taught that he could have married and divorced many times, and once he became a Christian, he could remarry one more time. Sadly he was taught wrong, and was living in open adultery. Though he has done many good and wonderful works in the name of the Lord, his one indiscretion will land him in the same place of the man who had lived such a riotous life. Yes, the sting of death sadly comes suddenly to this man as well!

Conclusion: Thomas Paine, as he came to his dying hour exclaimed, “0 Lord, help me, for I cannot bear to be left alone! Please Lord!” “The sting of death is sin” (1 Cor. 15:56). My friends, thanks to Christ you need not die the death of the wicked! Christ came that you might have life (eternal) and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). John tells us that life is in His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 5:11). By being baptized into Christ and remaining faithful to it, you can have access to that life. (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; Rev 3:11).

The one thing we all need to examine about ourselves is: are we prepared to die? Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith. 2 Cor 13:5 If we would judge ourselves we should not be judged. 1 Cor 11:31 How many have their house is order at all times. 1 Cor 15:30 Be prepared to be judged by God’s Word according to our deeds come that great and final day. Jn 12:48; 2 Cor 5:10  He, that being often reproved hardened his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy (Prov. 29:1). What is the hope of the godless when God takes away his soul. (Job 27:8) Get right and stay right with God, for life is short and death comes to sinner and saint alike, and often without warning. Rev 3:3; Job 34:20; Heb 9:27 No one can live wrong, and die right, and no one can die right, and not obey and continue in the gospel of Christ! Jn 8:31