A mother is grieving the loss of her husband and a single child from a tragic accident. As the debris fades, there are people who come to mourn and somehow help alleviate that lady's grief. Some even come to the lips and whisper, saying, "Let their souls sing for joy."
It is a sad fact that many people are uncertain of what will happen after earth life and where it will go, although Jesus clearly taught this in the Scriptures.
People think differently about death, but what exactly is Jesus teaching about it?
5 Facts About Life and Death
1. JESUS ??teaches that man, though of different life circumstances, will lead to death (v.19-22)
Whether we are rich or poor, educated or not, old or young-- all of us will face death. It is certain! but two things are not sure about it- WHEN and HOW it will occur in our lives. It is encouraging for us to realize that facing death is one of God's manifestations of His righteous justice. And it is also encouraging that none...no one... nothing can separate us in His love which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38,39) thus we have no fear even facing death.
2. JESUS ??teaches that death does not mean the end of life but the continuation of the afterlife (v.23-24)
Another encouraging truth Jesus taught in this passage was there's continuity of life. It His promise to those who put there faith in Him. Moreover, the kind of life in the afterlife is much different from this temporary world. There will be no more tears, sickness nor decay-- but all perfection of God's glory. While we're here on earth for a short journey, may God's promise of eternal life give us encouragement and enthusiasm to do His will until that day comes. Let's remain faithful and steadfast waiting for our Savior's return.
3. JESUS ??teaches that there are only two destinations - there's a heaven and there's a hell --and there's no purgatory (vv. 25-26)
It is very clear that Jesus warns us about man's possible destinations. Others argue that if God is love, He shouldn't have let anyone be sent to hell. But He is love! You know why? For we are all equally given a chance to repent our sins and be saved through His Son Jesus Christ. God really loves us so much that He even told us in 2 Peter 3:8,9 "But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow to His promise, as some count slowness, but it is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
Heaven is real, as well as Hell. Yet God's love is much real than our rationalization and skepticism.
4. JESUS ??teaches the idea that a deceased person's soul CAN NOT return to the world of the living (vv. 27-29)
This truth corrects the view of animism. Even King Soul was reprimanded by God when he tried to call on the soul of Samuel through a medium. It is abominable to God to call on the dead. Certainly, He also warns us to not do the same, instead be enlightened by the truth that there's a great abyss between the living and the those in the afterlife. Do you still believe in ghosts?
5. JESUS ??declares that judgment must be made today because no one knows the day of judgment (vv. 30-31)
Hebrews 9:27 says, "and inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment."
This should awaken us that the time to make a decision is this point in time-- not later or tomorrow or else we'll face sorrow. Are you prepared to face God?
A missionary pastor died from a mission. He left her remains in his hometown and buried him in a small chapel. Many close friends mourned and gave comfort to those who have been left dear to the pastor. On the last evening of his wake, everyone has given the chance to take a glance of him, and one by one they came and took a look at the coffin, but they were surprised at the glint in the mirror and many were terrified. The missionary pastor's last note wrote the following words: "TODAY IS MY TIME TO LEAVE, TOMORROW YOU'RE NEXT"
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU WILL GO AFTER THIS LIFE?
ARE YOU READY FACE YOUR CREATOR?
IS YOUR ETERNAL LIFE SECURED?
