Several years ago, two friends of mine died within a few days of one another. One was a Christian, the other not. The one lived most, if not all, of her life under the positive influence of faith in God.  The other, as his wife acknowledged during my visits in the hospital, lived with belief in God, but not an active, confessing faith. There is a difference.

When someone passes from this life, we should be touched.  Most people are moved, even if some are unaware of the impression. In thinking about the passing of my friends, several things came to mind about death. Without usurping the judgment of our merciful and just God, I want to remind you of some things the Bible teaches about the end of mortal life.

Death is the result of sin.  When the first couple sinned, death was introduced to the future generations of mankind (Genesis 2:16-17).

Physical death is a the universal experience for everyone. (Romans 5:12) The only exception will be those still alive when Jesus comes to take those who are his to the place he promised to prepare for us. (1 Thessalonians 4, 5) This is no escaping it otherwise.

The Biblical psalmist wrote, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15) This doesn’t suggest God is thrilled when people suffer death. He doesn’t take it lightly in any sense, and deeply shares the sorrow of the loss, especially when they are among his followers. Do you remember that “Jesus wept”? (John 11:35) In my judgment, a when a saint – a child of God – dies, God looks rejoices that that one can live with him eternally.

Those whose faith is in God do not need to fear what lies on the other side of death.  It is only a passageway to life.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me....” (Psalm 23:4) “Where O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Recently I spoke at the funeral of a longtime member of the Statesboro Church of Christ. He lived his life, except for the last year or two, in the house in which he was born. I assured those at the graveside he is living now in a much better home now, one promised by our Lord for the faithful.

The single most important thing in scripture is its encouragement for preparation for its eventuality. Because of the love of God in Christ Jesus, we have that opportunity. 

Let’s take advantage of that opportunity.