When We Die

The Scripture mentions the words “die” or “death” approximately 900 times, and it’s a disturbing subject to most people, but it doesn’t have to be. Granted, it’s not a topic that we generally concentrate on either. Nevertheless, every day, we are aware of the frequency of death, and factually, all of us will experience death. Consider this: the Bible doesn’t describe death as the end of life but as a transition into a new life. For Christians, this transition is positive. Jesus referred to death as being “carried by the angels to Abraham’s arms” (Luke 16:22), or Jesus told the repentant thief on the cross who died with Him, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Upon death there is separation of our body from our soul and spirit. The Christian’s soul and spirit go to heaven. Paul described death as “absent from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). But be mindful that some people will experience more than one death. Let me explain. All people experience physical death. Those who reject Christ live spiritually dead lives, dooming their soul and spirit to be eternally separated from God. As Christians, we are born twice. How? Born physically and “born again” spiritually. Two births (physical and spiritual), one death (physical). Jesus said, John 3:3:“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The opposite occurs to the unbeliever. They are born physically but remain spiritually dead throughout their lifetime. Upon the unbeliever’s death, their souls and spirits go into Hades (Hell), the temporary holding place until the “second death.” At the Great White Throne Judgement, they receive their eternal judgment. This is the “second death,” and they are cast into the lake of fire, a place of torment (Rev 20:13-15). You see, the unbeliever has one birth (physical) and two deaths (physical and spiritual deaths). Paul tells us Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So how should we live? There are only two ways to face the future: with fear or with faith. When we live in faith, the beauty of God’s promises consumes our fear of death. Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” You see, death is a journey, not a destination. The valley has an opening at both ends, and we pass “through” it. Death is just a shadow, not a reality. And God is always with us. Jesus told us, John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” At Heaven's gate, Jesus welcomes us home, and the angels guide us toward the beautiful surprises that await. The next phase of life unfolds in God’s timing. So, let the future come.