The Bible clearly states that there is a life beyond the grave; a life after this life, and that that life is eternal. “For surely there is a hereafter….” (Prov. 23:18NKJV). Life here on earth is very short, but eternity has no end. Friend, if death were to come suddenly would you be able to stand in God’s presence with the assurance of everlasting life? Have you once and for all settle the question of life after death and where you will spend eternity?
No one enjoys talking about death but it’s a reality we all face in this life. We feel its pangs and pains when we lose a loved one. It is inevitable, a reality we all have to accept. Eccl. 8:8 says “No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, and no one has power in the day of death.” The Bible tells us that death came into the world as a result of the sin of our fore parents and that it will be the last enemy of mankind to be cast into the lake of fire ( Romans 5: 12, 1 Cor. 15: 26).
Christ has conquered death
Christ came to earth to give life to mankind in abundance. He is the author of life, and the life giver:“…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”(Jn.10:10).
Life is a blessing, death is a curse. The good news is that – death has been conquered. “That He (Christ) by the grace of God might taste death for everyone…. That through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil and release those who through the fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage”(Heb. 2:9;14-15).
Jesus came to earth doing good. His purpose was to destroy the works of the evil one. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8),which are :to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
In demonstrating His power over death He raised the dead. He raised Jairus’ daughter from death. He had compassion on the widow of Nain and raised her only son back to life. He raised Lazarus from death after four days in the grave. Finally, the life giver and life Himself tasted death for all men as He hung on the cross at Calvary; He was crucified died and buried in the tomb for three days.
The Bible tells us that Christ first descended into the lower parts of the earth,(not to suffer the torments of hell), and also ascended far above all the heavens having the keys of death and hell(Ephs. 4:9-10,Rev.1:18). For on the third day He rose up triumphantly by the power of God. And it was written: “O death, where is your sting? O hades (hell), where is your victory?’’ (1Cor. 15:55).
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, l am alive forever-more. Amen. And l have the keys of Hades and death.” (Rev. 1:18).
Life has triumphed in victory over death. Available at everyone’s reach is life in its fullness, life in abundance – for the poor and the rich, the learned and the unlearned, the young and the old, of all races. No one is left out. And this life is free – free for all (John 3:16), but THE CHOICE IS ENTIRELY YOURS – “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deut.30:19).
Even though Christ has conquered death for all mankind, each man still has a role to play. Each man by the act of his free will must make a choice to receive God’s offer of eternal life. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that WHOSOEVER WILL believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
Dear friends which of these two will you choose? Life or death? God does not only tell you that abundant life is available for you, He goes a step further, He admonishes you, “therefore choose life that you may live.” He wants you to have the abundant life. He wants you to live. This is God’s perfect plan for your life.
You may think: “O I’m still a young person with a bright and promising future ahead of me’’ – but death is no respecter of age. You may even be wealthy, having achieved all you ever dreamed of in life. But have you ever stopped to think about death and eternity? On the other hand you may not really be rich in the material things of this life – but are you rich towards God? Where will you spend eternity? Heaven or hell? The choice is yours alone to make. “It is given unto men once to die after death the judgement” (Heb. 9: 27). All will one day stand before God and be judged. Those who have chosen life have nothing to fear. When the time of their departure from this earth comes, they can gladly face death knowing that death has been conquered; that their sins have been forgiven; that death for them is the door way, the entrance into the everlasting Father’s bosom and into a timeless eternity with Christ in all His glory. But how dreadful for those who have continuously shunned and scorned their soul’s salvation. What a fearful awaiting of judgement.
Friend, do not delay. Choose life today that you may live. JESUS IS LIFE: “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes unto the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6).
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).
Friend, will you come to Jesus Christ, God’s Son, God’s substitute for your sins now, and humbly ask Him to forgive you for all your sins and trust Him as your Lord and savior?
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