The finality of death is unnerving: we expect our loved ones to “be there,” to come up the sidewalk or down the hallway again, to take their spot at the kitchen table, like always. But it doesn’t happen—and our world is shaken.
And yet, “finality” isn’t really the right word. Yes, it’s a decisive end in terms of this life. But no, for all who are in Christ—all who trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and the hope of heaven—death is not final: it’s just the doorway into glory. This earthly spree is but a prelude to our most real, radiant existence in God’s presence in the age to come—the life you were made for, and that Christ died for (1 Peter 3:18). So, death is anything but final!
In fact, the Apostle Paul, with the threat of death looming over his head, said, “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). Elsewhere he almost mocked death: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:54-55). This cruel enemy is like a lion that’s been declawed; it tries to strike terror into our hearts, but to no avail.
“The grace of God has been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Tim 1:10). Think of it: death destroyed. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). To the thief on the cross Jesus made this promise: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). With Jesus—death cannot keep us out of our Lord’s company!
And so, a healthy, maturing Christian faith will put death in its place. And that’s not first place; it’s not our top concern—as if evading death were the grand object of this present existence. We don’t need to live in trembling fear of death (Luke 12:4). Rather, let the fact of future death awaken joy that your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20). And then share the joy!
