HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 87
page A85
Death See also Future; Heaven/Eternal Life; Salvation
Death always seems to get the last word. No matter what we do to extend our lives, death
inevitably catches up to us. Why are we so afraid to die? Why do we try so hard to keep
living? Because we are uncertain of what happens after that. On this side of death, we at
least know the rules of how things work, even if we don’t like them. We know what things
bring us happiness and pleasure. But what if this life is all there is? And if there is some sort
of existence after our body dies, what will it be like? This creates fear and despair in many
people. The Bible has a great deal to say about death—and what is on the other side of it.
For those who believe its message, there is great hope instead of fear and despair. Jesus,
by dying for our sins and rising from the dead, has shown us how to triumph over death.
All who trust in him will share in that victory over death! There are two kinds of deaths—
the cessation of life here on earth and the missed opportunity to live in heaven with God
forever. To die physically is to leave our earthly bodies and our places in the earthly community. To die spiritually, eternally, is to miss eternal residence in heaven with God and his
people and to be separated from God forever. When we die physically, we become even
more alive as we take up our residence in heaven. It is not pleasant to think of dying physically. But it is devastating to think of missing heaven forever.
Is death really the end?
• 1 T H E S S A L O NI A NS 4 :1 3 | And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what
will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no
hope. (See note on page 1085.)
For those who believe in Jesus as their Savior, death is not the end, but only the beginning
of an eternity of unspeakable joy with the Lord and with other believers.
• PSA L M 4 9 :1 0 | Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless,
leaving all their wealth behind. (See note on page 505.)
• MAT T H E W 6 :2 0 | “Store your treasures in heaven.”
• 2 C O R I NT H I A NS 5 :1 0 | We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we
have done in this earthly body.
• J O H N 1 4 :2 | “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?”
You can’t take anything with you when you die, but there is a way to receive much when
you arrive in heaven, for God rewards those who have been faithful to him and leave
behind a legacy of goodness.
• J O H N 1 4 :2 | “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?”
When you travel, it’s comforting to know there’s a place to stay at the end of the day. This
same comfort is yours as you wonder about the end of your life. Though death is a great
unknown, Jesus Christ has gone before you. He has prepared a glorious place for you to
stay. If you know and love Jesus, you can be confident your new home is ready and waiting.
What happens when someone dies?
• 1 T H E S S A L O NI A NS 4 :1 3 | We want you to know what will happen to the believers who
have died.
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 5 :5 2 | When the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to
live forever.
• R E VE L AT I O N 1 4 :1 1 | And they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the
beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name. (See note on page 1161.)
HelpFinder
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 5 :5 4 -5 5 | Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into
bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
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• J O H N 1 1 :2 5 -2 6 | Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in
me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”