Death – it sounds so final – but is it? In this devotion I would like to share why, for the Christian death, while never pleasant, should be viewed, not as an endpoint, but as a wonderful transition from one stage of life to another.
Billy Graham states the case for death being a friend rather than a foe well when he shared: “Though the Christian has no immunity from death and no claim to perpetual life on this planet, death is to him a friend rather than a foe, the beginning rather than the end, another step on the pathway to heaven rather than a leap into a dark unknown.”1
For the atheist, death clearly is a foe, since his belief system doesn’t entertain the possibility that there is an afterlife. As a result, death is something to be greatly feared since a return to nothingness is all he has to look forward to.
But for the Christian physical death is actually only one of five time dimensions in the life of a believer. The first time period is that we existed before time began in the mind of God. The second time period is at conception where the foreknowledge of God became the reality of life. The third time dimension is at birth, nine months after conception, when we make our way into the world. The fourth time dimension is physical death when we leave our earthly bodies. And the fifth and last dimension is eternal life with Jesus – and this dimension will last forever!
While no one likes to talk about this fourth time dimension, physical death, I believe that a little reflection will show us that death for the Christian should not be a time of distress, but of great joy. Charles Spurgeon said it so well: “Death is no punishment to the believer: it is the gate of endless joy.”2 And the Apostle Paul adds: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21).
The words “joy” and “gain” hardly seem appropriate words to link with the word “death” but for the Christian the linkage is absolutely proper. As a Christian whether we live or die we can experience great joy because the moment we get saved we become new creatures in Christ and our wonderful journey with the Lord begins. And the moment physical death occurs our journey doesn’t end it just enters a new and timeless dimension called eternal life with Jesus!
And as we age as Christians and aches and pains and declining health take over for most of us, death can actually be viewed as a great blessing since we get to be with the Lord. And at the end of physical time on earth, I believe, we will receive our resurrection glorified bodies and live for all eternity in perfect health.
And for the Christians that sadly suffer with permanent disabilities, like blindness and being wheelchair bound, death allows the believer to redefine the word permanent to temporary since he understands that one day his disability will be totally gone and he will receive his glorified body.
While I will admit that I still enjoy my current phase of life, death no longer is something I fear because I realize that when I am absent from this physical body of mine I will be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8). So, Christian whatever your situation in life is be encouraged because one day when death comes knocking at your door don’t be afraid to let her in for she is your ticket to everlasting life, eternal bliss, and being forever in the presence of Jesus!
1 Inspirational Quotes by Billy Graham – page 7 (bibleportal.com)