O death where is your sting, O grave where is your victory” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Death is an enemy of mankind because the Bible say so (1 Corinthians 15:26). Death is also an enemy because it invokes fear in man, and this fear if not properly handled brings bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15). People enter agreements with demonic entities just to stay alive for longer (Isaiah 28:14-15). The natural man is afraid of death because it signals the end to him/her; end of his achievements, of his existence, enjoyment and dreams. More so, the degenerate man doesn’t know what to expect after dying. Death holds a mystery to him. Even those of us who are professed Christians who have the assurance of Heaven are still afraid of dying. Death is also a spoiler; it can dash dreams and shatter hopes. Untimely death of benefactors and helpers can negatively impact on beneficiaries destinies. However, the following are reminders about physical death:
Death is a spirit: Satan used the spirit of death to afflict man before Jesus’ advent (John 10:10). There are angels of death, demonic entities peddling diseases, calamities and also deaths all over the earth. There are also angels of light, divine messengers who attend to righteous men and women in Christ when they die. Angels of death can be resisted by Christians who know their authority in Jesus (James 4:7)
Enlist in the school of faith, courage and Godly living: Many people die before their designated time because of reckless sinful lifestyles, fear, despondency and the like. Medical science reveals many sick people die more out of fear and hopelessness than the real ailment. Apostle Paul because of his godly lifestyle said: For me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). He was not afraid of death.
Appointment with death can be altered: Just like we have designated times for appointments with our physicians, pastors, etc, so also it is with death. Just as you can cancel these appointments or alter them, so also appointments with death can be handled. Hezekiah deferred his appointment with death for extra 15 years. Absalom, the rebellious son of anointed King David brought his appointment closer because of rebellion.
There is victory in Christ Jesus over death: Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. He experienced death and came out of it. He interrupted death through His resurrection. He took the mystery and finality out of death, and brought life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:10). Through Jesus’ resurrection, the devil’s power over death was destroyed. Death no longer holds power over those who put their faith in Christ. Christians who die in the Lord shed this earthly body to take on a glorious one with Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
Heaven and Hell is real: After death is judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Heaven and hell is not a figment of someone’s imagination as some make us believe. The highest and worst form of death is the second death (spiritual death) which is separation from Jesus for eternity. Accepting Jesus and a lifestyle of His cross is forsaking the second death.
CONCLUSION: Death’s power has been annulled through the cross of Christ.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
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