The Truth About Death
September 3
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1John 4:10 KJV
Attending her third family funeral in as many months, Kendra was angry…This isn’t fair! A loving God would never do this! her mind screamed.
The recent deaths had caused Kendra to doubt the existence of God; because if there was, He wouldn’t keep killing the people she loved! And since there was no God, she rejected any notion of salvation through Jesus Christ as well. Friends had told her she was being too analytical, and needed to accept certain things by faith. They’d told her that this side of Heaven there was no such thing as complete understanding. But she wanted proof!
The pastor began the eulogy, “On this side of death we are faced with the greatest decision we will ever make.” Searching the eyes of each mourner, his glance settled on Kendra. “The Bible tells us that our spirit will live forever after our mortal death. If you’re not sure what lies ahead, I challenge you to listen to this message of hope in Jesus Christ. You see, what happens the moment following our last breath on earth will be determined by what we believe. Because following that breath we will be in the presence of a loving, and holy God. At that moment we will have complete understanding.”
It was as if God had spoken audibly to Kendra. Her anger, and her façade, melted away as tears streamed down her cheeks.
†
Kendra’s anger over her loss is understandable. However, her analytical assumption about why God allows death is wrong.
Death was never God’s intention. Adam’s disobedience brought that sentence upon humanity. But because of God’s great love for us, provision was made so that we would not live forever in our sin. He sent His Son to die in our place in order that we might not suffer our deserved fate: eternal separation from God due to our sin.
Jesus came to die…to bring peace between God and man. Only His shed blood makes us righteous before a holy God. But that blood must be applied before our last breath. If you have not claimed the blood of Jesus, I invite you to do that now.
Prayer
“Come in to my life today, Lord Jesus… Amen.”
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