It is Jesus’ authority over death that I want to speak on this morning. Not to discourage you, but to give you hope. In truth, only the true Christian has reason to face death with confidence. Even though the Christian may not know everything about death, he/she doesn’t need to fear (Psalm 23:1-4) (Psalm 91). Why not? Because he/she belongs to the Lord due to believing the gospel, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of the redemption of the purchased possession, WOW!! Because of this, let’s speak to the death of the unbeliever and the believer.
- For The Unbeliever
Who is an unbeliever?
- He/she is the one who is seperated from God – due to their sin – (Isaiah 59:1-2)
- He/she one who refuses to believe upon Jesus Christ for who He is and what He has done) – they can see nothing beyond the grave
- These who refuse Jesus Christ, who are unprepared for death, who have a horrible surprise coming
- Read: (Malachi 4:1) (Luke 12:20) (Hebrews 9:27)
- Death comes to all – Judgment follows death
- There will be no second chances to get it right, no do overs with God, when we die our fate is sealed
- For the unbelieving towards Jesus, death is the beginning of eternal damnation
People have many thoughts about the reality of heaven and hell, but how does the Bible describe Hell? As an everlasting fire (Matthew 3:11-12). As an eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). Where there is everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9) (Mark 9:48). Where there is outer darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12) (Matthew 13:40-42).
You might wonder, “Who was hell prepared for?” It is prepared for…..
- The Devil and his angels – (Matthew 25:41) (2 Peter 2:4)
- The wicked – (Revelation 21:8)
- The disobedient – (Romans 2:8-9)
- The worshipers of the beast – (Revelation 14:11)
- Those who reject the gospel – (Matthew 10:15)
- The Believer
For the faithful child of God death is not the beginning of everlasting torment, but the continuation of eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) (John 14:1-3). The righteous will also put on immortality, as a result, what awaits the believer? Read: (1 Corinthians 15:51-57) (2 Timothy 4:18) (Revelation 21:4). For those who have there faith in Jesus Christ, death will be a blessing beyond their wildest dreams (2 Timothy 4:7-8) (1 Peter 1:3-4). My hope as you read this this morning is that you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, as your redeemer from the the wrath to come, and that you will be in heaven with Him for all eternity.