Death is a difficult topic that has generated a lot of interest throughout history. So what does the Bible say about death and how can it help us make sense of this difficult subject?
The Bible has much to say on death, and while it doesn’t always give us the answers, it does encourage us to accept death as a part of life. In Ecclesiastes, we read: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted”. This highlights death’s role as part of life’s regular cycle, which can help us come to terms with the passing of life.
The Bible also tells us that life after death is something that should excite us, rather than be feared. John 11:25-26 states: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” This should bring us comfort, knowing that life after death is something to look forward to. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of a place of eternal life and joy, asserting that those who believe in Him will never die.
Furthermore, the Bible tells us that death can have a purpose. In Romans 5:8-12, we read: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life”. Here, death is framed as a sacrifice made by God in order to “justify” us and make us right in His eyes.
Finally, the Bible asserts that the physical decay of death isn’t the reality of our heavenly existence. In 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 it states: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” This tells us that physical death is only a small part of our existence, and that our spirit will live on after death in the eternal presence of God.
God’s Justice
The Bible puts emphasis on God’s justice, showing us that while we may not understand why someone must pass away, we can trust in His plans. In Matthew 5:44-48 we read: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”.
This implies that God is just in his judgments, and that He can be trusted to care for the souls of those who have passed on. It also suggests that we should remain patient and trust in His plans and judgments, even when we don’t understand them.
In Psalm 16:10-11, it says: “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”. This portrays death as something that isn’t permanent, but rather a transition to a better place and suggests that we can trust in His will.
The Meaning Of Life
The bible also offers insight into the meaning of life, showing us that life is precious and shouldn’t be taken for granted. In John 10:10, Jesus states: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This passage suggests that life is something to be celebrated and enjoyed, rather than feared. He also states that he has come to give us eternal life and that our lives will be full of joy and abundance, even after death.
In 1 Timothy 6:12 we also read: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” This implies that we can accept death as a part of life, and that when it happens, we can rely on God’s love and comfort to ease our sorrow. Overall, the Bible paints death as something to accept, but not to fear, as it’s part of God’s plan.
1 Corinthians 15:26 also states: “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death”. This suggests that death will one day be eradicated, thereby eliminating the fear and suffering associated with it. This means that death won’t be the end of life, but rather a transition to a better one.
The Value Of Life
The Bible also tells us that death is not something to be sneered at, but rather something to be valued and appreciated. In James 4:14-15 we read: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away”. This implies that life is fleeting, and that we should appreciate the time we have on this Earth.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of eternal life, showing us that our purpose and hope should lie beyond this life. In 2 Corinthians 5:7-10 we read: “For we walk by faith, not by sight: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” This implies that life on this Earth is temporal, but that we have much to look forward to after our physical death, if we have faith in God.
Heaven And Hell
The Bible also speaks of a place of eternal peace and joy which it refers to as ‘Heaven’. In John 14:1-3 Jesus states: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”. Here, Jesus speaks of the eternal afterlife we can look forward to, providing reassurance that we need not fear death.
The Bible also speaks of a place of punishment and suffering which is referred to as ‘Hell’. In Matthew 25:41-46 we read: “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me”. This passage speaks of Hell as being a place of punishment for those who do not remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
Preparing For Death
The Bible also shows us how we should prepare for death. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it states: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This passage encourages us to live our lives in a manner that would be pleasing to God and make Him proud. We should strive to live a life of love and obedience, so that we can make the most of our time on this Earth and be rewarded when we meet Him in Heaven.
Furthermore, the Bible shows us that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to death. In Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 we read: “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun”. This passage reminds us that death is a part of life and that there isn’t a single way to prepare for it, as each person will approach it in their own way.
Accepting Death
The Bible also encourages us to accept death, even when it comes too soon. In Luke 10:39-42 we read: “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her”. This teaches us that death is something to accept, and that we should focus on being with our loved ones who are still here on Earth.
The bible also encourages us to make the most of life, and to live it to the fullest. In
