The Uncertainty of Life

Life is full of uncertainties. We have no certainty if tomorrow will come for us. One thing we have for certain is that every human being ever born of woman will die. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb.9:27). Although we know we are going to die, we do not know how, we don’t know when, and we don’t know where it will happen. Diseases, accidents, murders, natural disasters come at inopportune times. “Boast not yourself of tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth” (Prov.27:1). Also consider James 4:14, “Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.”

Riches of this world are uncertain, but we can put our trust in a certain God, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (1 Tim.6:17-18). Life certainly is uncertain, but we can definitely make preparations for death and for that certain day of judgment to come through Jesus Christ the Lord. Have you made preparations for death?

The normal life expectancy is somewhere between 1-120 years of age. I would like to be more specific but life is unpredictable. Fact is, people die at all ages. The Bible teaches that man may live perhaps 80 years if by reason of physical and spiritual care and condition. “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Ps 90:10). “For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile” (1 Pet 3:10).

Yes, life is truly uncertain for us all, but we have an insurance policy against hell and damnation if we accept the terms of the agreement. All God asks of each of us is to obey the gospel of Christ and to remain faithful unto death (Rom 10:9,10 f; Mk 16:16; Rev 2:10). If we obey the gospel we shall receive eternal life in heaven (Tit 1:2). Knowing that each of us could be taken in a twinkling of an eye, do you really think that is too much to ask?