I have
noticed that many Christians have—from a biblical perspective—an incorrect view
of death.
Death is,
of course, sad and unpleasant. The circumstances which result in death can be
terrible, tragic, senseless and evil. I am not trying to minimize the genuine
grief which accompanies the death of people we know and care about.
Jesus
wept at the news that his friend, Lazarus, had died.
Death is
referred to in the Bible as an “enemy.” (1 Cor. 15:26)
So, I am not
trying to promote the strange idea that death is insignificant or that we might
consider it to be fun.
Death is
significant and it is not fun. It is sorrowful. Quite frankly, I do not like
death. And I’m pretty confident everyone reading this would agree.
However,
when I write that many Christians have an incorrect view of death I am
suggesting that far too many Christians understand death to be the worst thing that could ever happen.
This is
not true.
By the
way, please know I am directing this note to myself, as well. I have sometimes
fallen into this incorrect type of thinking. So, I will write this for my own
sake: As a follower of Jesus it is important for ME to remember that physical
death is not the worst thing that could ever happen.
The
biblical view is that physical death involves a transition to another realm.
Existence does not end. In fact, according to the Bible, the existence of the
follower of Jesus is improved and enhanced after we pass into the next realm.
The
Apostle Paul addressed the issue of life and death contrasting the two options
and wrote, “I’m torn between the two desires: I long to go and be with Christ
[physical death] which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is
better that I continue to live.” (Phil. 1:23-24)
Did you actually
process that passage from Philippians chapter 1? Paul considered the option of
physical death to be “far better.” How in the world could death be far better? Is
he out of his mind?!?
No. Paul could
consider it to be better because physical death involved being with Jesus in a
more direct and tangible manner. That is an extraordinary view. But it also
represents the correct biblical view.
To leave
this physical realm is simply to be present with Jesus in the next realm.
(Check out 2 Corinthians 5:8.)
Again,
those of us who remain behind will be sad. We will grieve. We will miss the
person who is gone. But we should not understand the person’s death to be the
worst thing that could ever happen because that is not true.
You might
be thinking, “Why are you even writing this, Dan? This is a morose topic. Are
you trying to make everyone sad? Why does this matter?”
I’m
writing this because I have recently experienced the loss of a friend and I
currently have some other friends who are dealing with serious life-threatening
illness so the reality of death is on my mind.
I am
writing this because I see some people I care about who have a biblically
incorrect view of death and it is resulting in a degree of anguish and fear which
is unnecessary. I wish this were not the case.
I am
writing this because I see some other people I care about who are walking with
Jesus in such a way that the idea of death—though sad—is nevertheless honestly
viewed with an ultimate peace, assurance and hope rather than despair! This is
remarkable and it is good.
I am
writing this because whether we acknowledge it or whether we try to ignore it
this is an issue which personally and directly impacts 100% of us.
I am
writing this because expressing my thoughts in writing can be somewhat
therapeutic for me. It can help me to clarify what I really believe. It can
help me sort out the jumble of feelings I am experiencing.
I am
writing this because I hope it might provide some small measure of help to you.
“For we
know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die
and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body
made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1, NLT
