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Two important questions

Who gave you your life? Why do you have to die? These are very important questions for you to consider. Many people avoid the first question because they’re too busy trying to enjoy the gift of life. But it’s not so easy to avoid the second question. 10 out of 10 people die, and you know that you will be part of this tragic statistic. Every time you get the news that someone has died, or have the painful experience of attending a funeral, the reality of death comes to mind. The thought of your own death may be the last thing you want to think about right now, but it’s so important to face it honestly. Knowing the truth about death is essential for understanding how to overcome it.

Truth has been revealed

The truth about life and death has been revealed to us by God in the Bible. God is the Creator of all things, and He is the giver of all life—including yours. Please understand that whatever you end up believing about life and death will either come from mankind (those who experience death) or from God (He who lives forever). If you reject the Word of the living God, that means you are accepting the word of a dying mankind. It’s one or the other.

From good to bad

God created the world and everything in it (Genesis 1:1). When God created man and woman, He called them good (Genesis 1:27). God gave them dominion over the whole earth. God gave them the ability to communicate with Him and with one another. There was never any conflict. They enjoyed life, enjoyed each other, enjoyed the good earth, and enjoyed the God who made them. They were not made to die.

Yet, God gave Adam and Eve a single command, and they broke it (Genesis 3:6). They sinned against their Creator by breaking His law. The result was death, not only for Adam and Eve, but for all who were born after them. God has granted you life, but you are going to die because of sin. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). You earn the paycheck of death by your sin against God.

“Good” people and God’s law

You probably consider yourself to be a pretty good person. Perhaps you’ve made some mistakes, but nothing too serious. You likely don’t see yourself as an evil sinner. But it’s important to remember that God, as the Creator of all things, is also the One who defines all things—including sin. The Bible says that sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Sin is a violation of God’s law. The law of God is written on our hearts (Romans 2:15). We have a conscience and we know instinctively the difference between right and wrong.

However, sin has twisted our consciences. We lie to ourselves and manipulate the law that God has written on our hearts. So God has also given us His law in the Bible, summarized in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). God’s law shows our sinfulness. Have you lied? Have you stolen anything? Have you used God’s name in vain? Have you looked with lust? If you answer honestly, you know that you have repeatedly broken the law of God. You have sinned, and the soul who sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:20). That is why 10 out of 10 people die! Everyone is guilty. There are no exceptions (Romans 3:23).

Judgment for sin

This is bad news for us. Not only does sin bring bodily death at the end of this life, but it also condemns to a state of misery forever. Sin condemns us to hell (Mark 9:43-44). This is terrible news and not to be taken lightly! But God, in His great mercy, has provided salvation through His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16). About 2,000 years ago the Son of God became human. He was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18), and born in the town of Bethlehem. He lived a perfectly sinless life. He died on a cross. He was buried in a tomb, and the third day He rose again from the dead. Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father.

Jesus Christ, because of His great love for sinners, took the punishment for sin upon Himself (1 Peter 2:24). We broke God’s law, and Jesus paid the fine. We fail to live up to the high and holy standard of righteousness required by God, and Jesus willingly covers us with His perfect righteousness so that we may stand before God forever (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus suffered the anguish of hell in our place, in order that we may enjoy the glory of eternal life with Him. This is the gospel graciously revealed to us in God’s Word. God calls all people to repent (turn away from sin) and believe the gospel (Acts 17:30). And He promises new life today to all those who repent of their sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Two ways to die

There are only two ways to die. You will either die in your sin, or you will die in Christ. If you die in your sin, God will give you perfect justice and condemn you. If you die in Christ, trusting in Him alone for salvation, there is no condemnation for you (Romans 8:1). Jesus Christ has taken your condemnation on the cross. Dying in Christ means that the moment you close your eyes in death, you open them in the presence of Christ in heaven.

Adoption into God’s family

People are praying that God will grant you eternal life today. God has graciously given you a command to repent and believe His life-giving gospel. Do so today and live! God is adopting sinners into His new family (John 1:12), and we want to welcome you into the fellowship of His family at our church. Please contact us with any questions you may have. May God richly bless you in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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