Presenting Biblical answers to tough questions
Q: Knowing my days are numbered, where in the Bible can I find comfort and the courage to accept my death?
A: Probably one of the best passages for overcoming the fear of death is 1 Corinthians 15:20-58 (especially vv. 50-58), which describes Christ’s victory over death and the grave on behalf of those who believe.
I especially like verses 54-57 that describe death as a defeated enemy and a conquered foe. Death is rightly terrifying for many (Luke 16:19-31), but believers in Christ can rest in the promise that Jesus Christ has defeated death for us (Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 20:6). Death for Christians is like a savage dog that has had all its teeth removed; it can’t hurt us anymore!
Another thing that can make us uncomfortable with the thought of dying is the fear of the unknown. But God has provided for this as well, informing us what happens to us when we die. First, Christians are told the moment we lay down our mortal flesh we are present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). We are also told we lay down our mortal body merely to exchange it for a new, glorified, spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42-43; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5) and Christ has prepared for us a dwelling place that we may be with Him always (John 14:1-3, 18). Not only that, but He is preparing a city (Hebrews 11:16; Revelation 21:2), and even a whole new creation (Revelation 21:1) for His children to inhabit forever. Truly “death has been swallowed up in victory,” and Christians are free to focus upon all the eternal blessings purchased for us in Christ because He has removed all fear and danger from death (Psalm 16:8-11; John 10:28-30).
If you have a question that you would like a Biblical answer to, you can send it via email to [email protected] or by mail to Formoso Church; P.O. Box 66; Formoso, Kan. 66942
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