During the coronavirus pandemic we were witness via the news to many deaths. While death is not uncommon with 7,452 people dying on average each day in the United States, the pandemic has heightened our awareness. As a result, many have been considering their own mortality. Have you considered yours? Are you afraid of dying?
An atheist will say that death is the end of your existence. When you die it all fades to black, you simply stop being. That doesn’t sound so bad. You lived your life and now it is done! So why are so many afraid of dying?
The truth is God placed in the hearts and consciences of all people a natural knowledge of His existence and the fear of death is part of that knowledge. God’s Word informs us, “In fact, whenever Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires – even though they do not have the law – they are a law for themselves. They demonstrate the work of the law that is written in their hearts, since their conscience also bears witness as their thoughts go back and forth, at times accusing or at times even defending them.” (Rom 2:14-15)
Is there a remedy for this fear? Thankfully the answer is “Yes!” The remedy is faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God’s Word confirms, “The wages of sin is death, but the undeserved gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). For those with faith in Christ, Jesus’ death is not the end, but for the believer it is merely the door to eternity.
God in His infinite love for mankind provided everything that is needed. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (Joh 3:16) Jesus came to us on that first Christmas morning the Babe of Bethlehem. His entire life was a work of salvation as He lived a sinless life, something that God demands of us, but we are unable to do, so He did it for us. At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus was hung on the cross and crucified. As He hung there, He suffered the pains of eternal damnation paying for all our sins. Jesus paid the price that God demanded from us. As a result, for all that believe in Him there is no fear of dying.
If you would like to learn more, please visit us this coming Sunday.