Death, Life & Eternity
I’m going to take some time to reflect on my dear friend and landlord David and how his death impacted me. I will be sharing thoughts on death, this life, and eternity. I share this from a place of love and sincerity.
David was such a jolly, funny, helpful, considerate man! From the moment I became his tenant, he was there offering his assistance. He helped me with many things as I settled myself into this new country. He took me to look at and buy a car, helped me set up my bank account, came to the rescue when I locked my keys in the car, took me on drives with his family, and invited me to family functions. We celebrated birthdays together, had many inside jokes, laughs, and talks together. I became a part of his family and he became a part of mine.
When he passed, what struck me was how short our lives on earth are. The scripture, Psalm 103:15 says
“Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
The wind blows, and we are
gone—as though we had never been here.”
James 4:4 says,
“What is your life? You are a mist that
appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Ohhh, how I felt this reality when David died.
What struck me next was the reality of eternity. I think most of us have probably seen a dead body before. We see the shell of the person, but we instinctively know the actual person, is not there. Their spirit, soul, life is gone, and therefore the body itself has a hollow presence. James 2:26 says,
“The body without the spirit is dead.”
Based on my experience with seeing dead bodies, I would definitely say that verse is more than accurate. So where does our spirit go upon exiting the body at death? Based on my knowledge of the scriptures and being a follower of Jesus for many years now, the Bible makes it clear there are two ultimate locations after death for the spirit of man – heaven and hell. Jesus speaks of this many times. For instance, take John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This verse shows two options – “perishing” and “eternal life”. It was these two options that instantly jabbed at my soul when I heard of David’s death. “Where is David?!! “ That was the question that loomed in my mind, and caused me deep grief in my soul.
Hebrews9:27 says “...it is appointed form an to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
We get one life on this earth, and this life will determine our outcome for eternity. It’s a sobering thought. All of our good works, volunteering, hospitality, hard work on the job, can’t earn us a ticket into heaven. Why? Because, the root problem of our nature hasn’t been dealt with – and that is our SIN nature. The scriptures say, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Romans 6:23 1 says “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin equals death.
However, God offers a FREE gift of eternal life to everyone! It can’t be earned, inherited, or bought!
It’s the simplest gift that anyone can ever receive – as the only requirements are a repentant heart and belief. However, for many it is beyond difficult, as it requires a willingness to “see”, a surrendering of one’s pride, – and an acknowledgement of saying “Yes, I am a sinner... and yes, I need saving from my sin and mistakes, and yes I need a Savior.” Acts 28:27 states this problem quite clearly, “For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.” Friends, let’s check our hearts and be careful to not have one that is hardened so that we can’t see or hear the truth. Let’s not get so lost and consumed with this life, and forget that there is one that follows called “eternity.”
This life is fleeting. It’s temporary. 1 John 2:17 says, “The world and all its lusts are passing away.” Don’t get caught up in the day to day “to do” – the busyness of life that we so often pride ourselves on – BUT take time to evaluate the state of your soul. Take time to pursue TRUTH. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’” (Matthew 6:19) There is a lot that can be gleaned from these words, but one thing I see Jesus saying is there is more to LIFE than THIS life. Don’t focus on acquiring things in this life, but rather focus on the next!
Pause with me for a moment and reflect upon this...
Have you ever noticed in public spaces, you’ll often find quotes of great religious leaders? I remember in a former school that I worked at there was a quote by Gandhi, and I believe it said this, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.” Truly, this is a great quote. I believe it, and I am gripped by it every time my eyes read it! However, I couldn’t help but recall seeing quotes of other famous religious leaders, in public spaces, classrooms, educational institutes, from various leaders such as the Dalai Lama, Confucius, Buddha, St. Patrick, Mother Teresa, Muhammad, Pope Francis, etc. And my thought was, I don’t recall ever seeing a quote posted in a public space of Jesus Christ. And why not? He had made some wonderful statements related to faith, love, grace, etc. He’s the one that said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31) Or what about “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12). These are powerful statements, which surely would inspire both young and old to live better. However, I realized that the reason quotes of Jesus aren’t posted in public spaces and on classroom bulletin boards is because there is something about Jesus that is very offensive to mankind. People get upset at Christians for stating that Jesus is the only way to God. They say, “How can Christians speak such things, and disregard all other religions?! That is such narrow-minded thinking!” However, what people don’t realize is believers are only stating what Jesus spoke very clearly about Himself. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus, God in the flesh, did what no other religious leader ever did – and that is live a perfect, sin free, flawless life so as to become the ultimate and final sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This is why in John 5:18 the scriptures say, “For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”
The Bible says that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22). When the Israelites in the Bible sinned, the high priest would go into the temple and sacrifice the best, most perfect animal that they could find to atone or take away the person’s committed sin. However, there is no such thing as a “perfect” animal. As, these animal sacrifices had to be performed over and over again to atone for the people’s continued sins.
So, because of God’s great love for us he did the unthinkable...He saw how sin separated man from Him and created a disconnect, and He knew there was only one solution... “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Jesus Christ. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:5). “For Christ alsosuffered when he died for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners that he might bring us safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus, the Son of God, was the ultimate perfect sacrifice! And not only that, but three days later after his death, Jesus rose from the grave and ultimately conquered sin for all eternity!! Sin, death, hell, could not hold him in the grave. He is seated right now with Father God in heaven, and he did it so“...that he might bring us safely home to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
Jesus went and prepared a place for those that believe – called heaven – for us to spend eternity with Him. Look at how it is described.... “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4). Chapter 21 of Revelation continues to describe a “new heaven and new earth,” and foretells of a new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. The writer of Revelation says, “It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal” (Verse 11). He goes on to say, “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb [Jesus Christ] are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Imagine an eternal home where there is no sin, no evil, no pain, no suffering, and no death! A forever home where we dwell with God. A place full of His glory, splendor, and beauty. This life is likea blade of grass....Here one day and gone the next. But eternity – is forever.
So what’s the scoop? How does one get cleansed from their sins? How does one receive this free gift of eternal life? It’s through admitting and repenting of our sins, accepting Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for our sins (forgiveness), and asking Jesus to come and live in our hearts. Jesus will give you a new heart and you’ll experience the life of God living inside of you. Romans 6:23 says that “the result of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. The Bible also says “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This gift, eternal life, can’t be earned...It’s gained through repentance and faith in Jesus’ sacrifice.
However, this isn’t just saying a prayer and being done with it. It’s more than that! It’s entering into a living relationship with Jesus. It’s giving Him your life, your heart, your dreams, your everything. Therefore, it’s not something to be done lightly. But I can say from personal experience, it’s the best decision I ever made in my life, and I have never been the same since. Jesus said,“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10. He also said, “comes to me will never go hungry, and the one who believes in me will never be thirsty.” He is talking about our inner thirst for something more in this life. He’s saying, I am what you have been searching for all along.
The scripture says, “...now is the day of salvation.” It’s not something to postpone or put off for a later time or date. If this letter has touched your heart and you would like to accept Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins and have his life live inside of you, keep reading and pray the following prayer from your heart to God.
Here’s how you can receive Christ:
Admit your need. (I am a sinner).
Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in to your life and heart. (Receive Him as Lord and
Savior).
How to Pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and rose again from the grave. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as Lord and Savior. Take my life, and use me for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author: JR Trust is an All Nations fieldworker in south Asia.
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