Death

[Ed]

I've been thinking about it...a lot lately. Actually ever since my niece committed suicide over 2 years ago, and lately even after my mom fell ill and (thankfully) recovered. But it's not something that just "leaves" me anymore.

I am a Christian, and I believe in God and all, but there's the "fear factor" involved in there. Wth my mom's eventual passing...many years from now I pray (she's in her 60s), I have a "what will I do then?" mindset. I mean, she's already set her will up and all that, so my brother and nieces and I will be set financially (at least pertaining to where we will live). But I know that could be a misleading thought, as even today nothing is set in stone anymore regarding our country.

But as for myself..it's like Yikes! I don't know...I mean, I don't fear the thought of being dead...just how I will die...will I go peaceably..or will I be in pain...etc.

But most of all...have I pleased God in the way that I've lived my life...are there things I haven't done which God wants me to do? What about my sins? Are there any sins I have to get rid of? What if there is a sin that I am doing that I don't know? Will it be against me? Does God have anything against me like He does against the churches in the book of Revelation? I surely don't want to pass on knowing I have severaly offended the Lord.

:coocoo:

 

[Boanerges]

It is natural for our flesh to act this way when faced with the thought of death. God has built survival instinct into our circuits. It is however quite possible to have your flesh reacting negatively and stand in faith at the same time. This is true faith, believing God's promise over what you see, hear, touch, taste and feel.
What you are experiencing is way more common that you might think and seem to grow more common as one gets older.
When ever thoughts of fear and dread come our way we must not only resist them but we must cling to the One we love.
The really good news is this: we know that His Word is true and physical death is only a doorway to going to our Lord's very presence. In a matter of speaking it is a genuine promotion.

 

[HisFollower]

There is nothing wrong with being in humility, and actually it is good for us, as was John the Baptist, and Peter, and Paul, and other´s; they knew that they were underserving; but that is what the Lord looks for in us.
As for death, the sting of death is sin, and sin is what we which do believe take heed of all the days of our life, that we fall not from our stedfastness.
As for thinking upon death, we through Christ have passed from death unto life, and this is our confidence of the hope firm to the end.
I speak as one that has had experience, seeing that my father died when I was thirteen, and my mother when I was fifteen.
Nevertheless God took me up and kept me from turning over to wickedness, because where I was at the time, i could have so easily become a criminal; but something kept me in the strait gate and narrow way which leads to life!

 

[RJ]

I've been thinking about it...a lot lately. Actually ever since my niece committed suicide over 2 years ago, and lately even after my mom fell ill and (thankfully) recovered. But it's not something that just "leaves" me anymore.

I am a Christian, and I believe in God and all, but there's the "fear factor" involved in there. Wth my mom's eventual passing...many years from now I pray (she's in her 60s), I have a "what will I do then?" mindset. I mean, she's already set her will up and all that, so my brother and nieces and I will be set financially (at least pertaining to where we will live). But I know that could be a misleading thought, as even today nothing is set in stone anymore regarding our country.

But as for myself..it's like Yikes! I don't know...I mean, I don't fear the thought of being dead...just how I will die...will I go peaceably..or will I be in pain...etc.

But most of all...have I pleased God in the way that I've lived my life...are there things I haven't done which God wants me to do? What about my sins? Are there any sins I have to get rid of? What if there is a sin that I am doing that I don't know? Will it be against me? Does God have anything against me like He does against the churches in the book of Revelation? I surely don't want to pass on knowing I have severaly offended the Lord.

:coocoo:

Hi Ed,
Don't know that we have ever met my name is Joe.
I read your post and have a couple of comments for you to think about. First of all , let me say that I mean no disrespect. There is no exact science, that I know of, when responding via cyber-space to another's statements or questions. There is no, one on one, eye contact, there is no previous knowledge from where a person comes from and what might have influenced there thoughts. So, what I have in response to your requests are only from my "first impression" of your written word.

I am a Christian, and I believe in God and all,.... That is a general statement, it is not specific enough.
What exactly is "and all" mean?
It s reminds me of myself a few years ago. This was a time when I could say that "I knew of God but I didn't know God". I look back now and this was before I was saved. If someone were to have asked me if I was a Christian back then, I could have, very likely, responded just like you did above. Now, I am not saying that you are not a Christian, no one knows what truly is in a man's heart except themselves and of course, God. But, here is my response now to that question, "Yes I am a Christian, I believe in God and in His son, Jesus Christ, as my personal Lord and Savior".
There is a vast difference in the these two statements. Believing in God, with out the specifics of Jesus Christ is not going to get it done. Arthodox Jews, believe in the same God that we do, the "God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob" but, according to the "New Covenant" they are not saved because they do not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Anyone that is reading this and may wonder what the Bible says about recieving salvation, one of the best places is in Romans 10:8-13.
just how I will die...will I go peaceably..or will I be in pain...etc.
When it comes to the type of death that we may experience, there is no specific assurances on the "how" that I know of, except for those who will be "caught up in the blink of an eye". The rest of us are pretty much left up to the laws of this physical world. But, I can assure you of this Ed, for those who truly know Jesus and know God, understand that their promise to us about eternal life and our future glory, totally out way and overcomes what lies ahead for each of us in this physical world. See Hebrews 6:12, Colossians 3:23-24 and Matthew 25:34 as only some examples.
Think about this, God says that we will share in all of Jesus Christ's inheritence, that is limitless!
Are there any sins I have to get rid of? What if there is a sin that I am doing that I don't know? Will it be against me?
Until the very end, until God glorifies us in His presence, We will have sin in us. We are born with sin from Adam and there is nothing we can do about that. But, we are not to dispare about that, always be looking out for sin and ways to avoid it but, never dispair. The reason for this is, just as with the first Adam, who we inherited sin from, it is the opposite with the second Adam (Jesus Christ) because He takes away sin. The truth is Jesus death on the cross " paid in full" for all of our sin, past, present and future, even the sins that you don't see.
Some will say " that is a license to sin". A "Born-Again" Christian knows that is not truth and that it is, in fact, an impossibility!
The Bible refers to our sins as dying on the cross. But we are still imperfect and God is not. God says " that there is no forgivenes for sins without the shedding of blood. Though what Jesus did on the cross is final, His blod washes us still. A good way to look at this is: "though we are dead to sin, we are not dead from sinning".
Will it be against me? Does God have anything against me like He does against the churches in the book of Revelation? I surely don't want to pass on knowing I have severaly offended the Lord.
This is another of God's truths and unfortuantely, so many have a hard time in fully accepting:
God said (paraphrasing): " Jesus died on the cross for the sin of man, forgiving them unto Hisself, and He said that He would look at their sin no more'! Now, that is pretty much specific, I do not see any wiggle room there. You are born forgiven!

 

[Boanerges]

Death, sickness, pain, suffering, these are but temporary things. God allows no trials that He does not give grace to overcome.
Though our flesh may tremble our spirit will rejoice as we dwell on the promises of our God. One job of the Holy Spirit is to lead us into death to the old man.
The deeper we go into that death the more we experience the resurrection power of Christ.
The deeper we grow on understanding His love for us the less we can fear for perfect love casts out all fear.
The greater the trials the more our faith grows as we witness His might power moving on our behalf.
The more we grow in our understanding of His grace the more we realize that Christ has become our righteousness and our Father loves and accepts us with the same love He has for His Son.
This is what we have to look forward to:

Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

 

[Giggles4God]

When I read your post, Ed, I thought of these scriptures.

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your request to GOD. And the peace of GOD which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in CHRIST JESUS."

Also, there are 365 mentions of do not fear...or fear in the Bible. Here are a few.

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
—Isaiah 43:1-2

Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
—Proverbs 3:25-26

but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
—Proverbs 1:33

fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”
—Isaiah 41:10,13

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
—Matthew 10:29-31

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
—Romans 8:14-15

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
—Psalm 46:1-2


There are many more. If you are truly who you say you are, these verses should give you peace.

 

[shipwrecksoul]

Hello Ed

I've been thinking about it...a lot lately. Actually ever since my niece committed suicide over 2 years ago, and lately even after my mom fell ill and (thankfully) recovered. But it's not something that just "leaves" me anymore.

I am a Christian, and I believe in God and all, but there's the "fear factor" involved in there. Wth my mom's eventual passing...many years from now I pray (she's in her 60s), I have a "what will I do then?" mindset. I mean, she's already set her will up and all that, so my brother and nieces and I will be set financially (at least pertaining to where we will live). But I know that could be a misleading thought, as even today nothing is set in stone anymore regarding our country.

But as for myself..it's like Yikes! I don't know...I mean, I don't fear the thought of being dead...just how I will die...will I go peaceably..or will I be in pain...etc.

But most of all...have I pleased God in the way that I've lived my life...are there things I haven't done which God wants me to do? What about my sins? Are there any sins I have to get rid of? What if there is a sin that I am doing that I don't know? Will it be against me? Does God have anything against me like He does against the churches in the book of Revelation? I surely don't want to pass on knowing I have severaly offended the Lord.

:coocoo:

Thanks ED for having the courage to share whats on your heart. I think everyone has these feeling of uncertainties. Its in our nature. What I do is to focus on the truth I know of "Perfect Love Casts Out Fear." That means God has accepted me with all my sin still in practice that Im learning to put to death by his Spirit. As long as there is strength in me I praise the Lord for loving one such as I. Remember Jesus can never die because he is God. Is God in you? By your own profession of faith on your profile page you are. Focus on these truths and you will be an anchor to others who may need Gods strength shown through your faith in Jesus.
Remember one thing His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses!

Here is a dynamite verse for you ED.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Any time these thoughts come up imagine that your a thief dying on your cross crying out to Jesus to show you the way. God the Father will provide you strength through His Spirit in the name of his beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
Go ahead and ask your Father always to fill you with his will thats in scripture to you know. Take care and God bless and again thank you for having the courage to share what is on your heart. Now what you can do is tell it to God in prayer if you have not done so already.

Your brother in Christ shipwrecksoul

 

[Ed]

Thanks everyone for your caring replies and most important, the scriptures you shared.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Ed, I have a simple suggestion for you: Meditate daily on Mt 6:25-34 from now until your fear subsides - which it surely will when your heart absorbs the message.

SLE

 

[Ed]

Thank you SpiritLed, I will let those scriptures soak into me.

 

[tonyyu8]

From what I'm hearing, are you scared of the judgement between hell and heaven, or the pain of death itself?

 

[Ed]

Well I think that anyone (Christian) in their right mind is scared of the judgement between heaven and hell.

But I was refering to the pain (if any) of death itself.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Well I think that anyone (Christian) in their right mind is scared of the judgement between heaven and hell.

But I was refering to the pain (if any) of death itself.

Scripture says (1 Cor 15:56 NIV) that "The sting of death is sin" and it is that sting that causes us to fear death. But, as we grow closer to Jesus and experience His Spirit's working in our lives, we move away from the world and its attractions (sin). Thus, the fear of death should lessen as we grow spiritually.

You would do well to study 1 Cor 15:35-58 using a study Bible; the study notes should answer at least some of your concerns.

SLE

 

[Ed]

Thank you SLE. Will do

 

[RJ]

Well I think that anyone (Christian) in their right mind is scared of the judgement between heaven and hell.

But I was refering to the pain (if any) of death itself.

1 COR 15, talks about this, except for Rapture, we will all suffer variuous degrees of physical pain during our flreshy death but ,there is no sting, hell or spiritual death for those in Jesus Christ.

For a 'Born-Again Christian, there is no judgement after physical death. " For there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ." Romans 8:1

The verses from 1 COR 15:54-55 is referring to Spiritual Death and the sting of spiritual death' resulting in Hell. Another translation is:
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”<SUP>h</SUP>

Because of Jesus Christ, the devil (death) has no victory over you, no spiritual, sting, just etenal life with God and each other.