Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Losing a loved one is a horrible tragedy. The excruciating experience of loss will result in grief, which is that normal process in which an individual displays sorrow and anguish as a result of loss. It is a painful experience that tears someone apart emotionally. Death is something that touches us all, be it through the loss of a loved one or one day our own death. What does the Bible say about death, especially regarding believers? In this post I will share three realities concerning death and what this means for a Christian.
DEATH IS IN EXISTENCE
Death is real and it is in existence. Perhaps who have lost a loved on or know of someone close to you that has died. Death is an undeniable reality. Death came into existence as the result of the sin committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:). The punishment of this sin was death (cf. Rom. 5:12, 6:23). Because of sin, death is in existence and is a normal part of life (cf. Heb. 9:27).
DEATH IS AN ENEMY
Though death exists and is a normal part of life, death is a not a natural part of life. Death is the consequence of sin. Death is an ugly and horrible experience. The apostle Paul wrote, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:26). It is an enemy and it really provides us a picture of how despicable sin is.
DEATH IS AN ENTRANCE
Despite the terror that death is, for the Christian, death is also an entrance to glory. How does a believer go from life here to life in Heaven? With the exception of Enoch, Elijah and those alive at the time of the Lord’s return, death is the entrance to glory. When it comes to the death of God’s people the Bible says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). What happens when a believer dies? It is the clear teaching of Scripture that the moment this takes place their soul is instantly with the Lord in Heaven (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23). That is to say, when a believer dies they are home in Heaven with their Saviour Jesus Christ. This is an exciting reality but it is not easy for those left behind to deal with. Death truly is a bittersweet experience. To know on one hand that a loved one is with the Lord in Heaven is a joy, yet on the other to know they are not with you is difficult. This is bittersweet.
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