The Inevitability Of Death & Resurrection

I. The American cultures view of death

Note: since America is so vast in religion, there are many vies on the subject of death and time will only permit a few to be mentioned this morning.

1. The Atheist’s view

When asking an Atheist about eternity, life after death and the wonderful possibilities it may hold, they will respond like this, “The grave is the end of all men, we are just another animal that is born, lives and then dies and there is absolutely nothing afterwards.”

What a sad statement.

2. The reincarnationist’s view

Many of the Eastern cultures have influenced Americans in the last forty years; among them are the Buddhist, and the Hindus who hold to a different view of life after death. The view of choice among the adherents of the mentioned groups is “reincarnation” or dying and coming back as someone or something else.

3. The traditional view of Christianity

Which holds to the truths of scripture, that teaches that all men will be resurrected from the dead, all will be changed from the state of the living and be (equipped) if you will for an eternity in one of two places, heaven or hell.

This is the point of interest for those who long for the change that is appointed us that believe and worship the risen saviour.

II. The Bibles perspective on death

1. It’s by Appointment

Job 14:5

5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;

The Hebrew term for appoint asah {aw-saw’} to appoint, ordain, institute

Hebrews 9:27

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

The Greek term for appointed apokeimai {ap-ok’-i-mahee} reserved for one,

The Reformation Scholars view of God’s Sovereignty rings clear in the realm of death, but also we shall see shortly that it’s also true in the arena of Soteriology.

A. For all men

It may be said of death, “He is the most non decrement entity in the whole of God’s creation.”

2. It’s ever man’s just reward

Romans 5:12

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Note: reader, there is also one other biblical truth that is worthy mentioning at this time. Hell is also every man’s just reward: Christ offers every man with out discrimination JUSTICE and to some He offers Salvation by Grace and mercy, which is His to dispense as He sees fit.

3. It’s the only venue to eternity

The only healthy way to view death is through scripture and as it reveals its mysteries we find these truths:

A. Death is a door way leading to another life

B. Death is something for some to fear and others to seek (spiritually)

2 Corinthians 5:2

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

For the dear Saint of God there is a longing that is indescribable, even in my on soul there is a groaning, longing and a waiting for something more than what this life can offer.

Squire Parsons summed up the intent of Paul’s discourse on this subject this way.

“I’m kind of home sick for a country to which I’ve never been before; No sad good byes there will be spoken for time won’t matter any more. Beulah Land I’m longing for you, and someday, on thee I’ll stand; there my home shall be eternal. Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land.”

C. God finds favor in the death of His Saints

Psalm 116:15

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Note: Reformed Theology teaches that God is not the author of sin, but that God uses the sinfulness of man to bring about His purpose. Therefore it must be concluded that death is not a sin but a result of sin and God uses this for His sovereign purpose; to bring His children into His presence: “To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

Quote:

Angels, joyful to attend, Hov’ring, round thy pillow bend; Wait to catch the signal giv’n,

And escort thee quick to heav’n. Saints in glory perfect made, Wait thy passage through the shade; Ardent for thy coming o’er, See, they throng the blissful shore.

AUGUSTUS MONTAGUE TOPLADY

D. God finds nothing pleasing in the death of the lost

Ezekiel 33:11

11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?