Why Christians Should Not Fear Death

Christians look at death differently than the world does, so why should Christians never fear death?

Goodbye

Christians look at death differently than the world does, so why should Christians never fear death? Believers should not fear death because after death, we will be in the presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ! How bad is that? Not bad at all. It’s not really goodbye for those believers we lose, but it’s “See you later.” Death is not a period but a comma so death is only beginning when we step into eternity, therefore we should never fear death. What’s the worst that could happen? I could die, but then think, “Oh no….I’ll have to be with Jesus now.” You see my point? How bad is it when we pass from this world into the next, knowing Jesus will be there waiting with open arms for us, so it’s never goodbye for believers, but see you later…in the Kingdom. For those who have rejected Christ, after death it is goodbye forever…that will be the last time the lost will ever see their loved ones again…and for all time. It will be an eternal separation. How tragic.

See You Later

Believer’s never said goodbye in passing from this life into the next, but rather we say to our fellow believers, “I will see you in the Kingdom,” so it’s not goodbye, but see you later. How comforting. The Apostle Paul was certain that he would be with the Lord after death, saying “that we have confidence. And we really want to be away from this body and be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8). That’s why Paul was not afraid of death because “we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord” (2 Cor 5:6). In fact, God “has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee” (2 Cor 5:5).

The Death of Death

Some great day, even death itself will die? What does that mean? The day is coming when God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4). I like that line, “and death shall be no more.” Not only will death find its end, but so will suffering, sorrow, mourning, crying, and pain. Who puts an end to it? God in Jesus Christ Who through His victory over the grave swallowed up the final enemy…death! The Apostle Paul tells us that “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor 15:54). It’s not our victory, but Jesus’ victory over death and sin and pain and sorrow. He has conquered the grave. Speaking of Jesus Christ, “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24). The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23), but since Jesus never sinned, the grave or death could not possibly hold Him because He had no sin (2 Cor 5:21).

Even if you Die

Some of the most powerful and comforting words Jesus ever spoke concerned death. After Lazarus’ death (John 11), Jesus assured Martha and Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Of course, if they have rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they will live again, but in eternal torment (Rev 20:12-15; 21:8). The good news is for those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ, they will never taste death, for “everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:26b). This means that those who are still alive at Christ’s return will instantly receive a glorified body and receive eternal life. That is, they will never actually die. How wonderfully comforting for those who believe; whether we die before He returns or we are alive at His return, death is done…forever! But only because of Jesus Christ, and nothing we have done (Eph 2:8-9).

Fragrance of Death and Life

Many will reject the gospel as offensive, but some will believe. When we share the gospel, prepare to be rejected, for “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor 2:15), so we are “to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things” (2 Cor 2:16). We must share the gospel anyway…even if it offends, and it will! It is our commission to go into all the world, even if most of the world rejects our message. It is still upon us to share Christ. Whether they believe or not is not up to us because only God can open their heart (Acts 16:14) but it is up to us to sow the seed of God’s Word.

Conclusion

I was once asked, “What if you are killed in prison while you go there preaching?” My answer was, “Yeah, I get to be with Jesus,” so if you are a follower of Christ, you have no need to fear death. I am no longer fearing death or visiting prisons to preach the gospel. Why? Death is only a door to eternity, but for those who have rejected Christ, they surely must fear death because after death comes judgment (Heb 9:27). That’s why I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: Is the Time of Your Death Predestined by God?

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: death, Eternal Judgment, Heaven, Hell, Resurrection