Do you fear death? Many Christians do, and it always makes me scratch my head. I’m not sure what would make a believer in Jesus fear meeting Him. I can’t wait to die. Perhaps that’s too morbid for many to read, but do you understand what is waiting for us on the other side? Why would anyone want to stay in this body a second longer than they have to?
Every good thing we experience in this life will be a thousand times better in Heaven, and every bad thing will cease to exist. (1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4) It’s a deal unlike any other, and reaching our final destination at last should excite us all.
No one wants to suffer, and I understand some people fear the process of dying more than death itself. I can relate to that. If I could have my preference, my death would be sudden and painless. However I get there, I do not fear death. For those who do, or perhaps for someone you know who does, let me remind you what the Bible says about fear and death.
First, remember Christ defeated death when He rose from the grave. Death no longer holds any power over us. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57; 2 Timothy 1:10) It cannot keep us in the grave, and it is not the end for us. (John 11:25-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:14) Death is but a brief moment when we depart this world and find ourselves in our Savior’s presence. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8; Philippians 1:21-24) We may or may not see it coming, but a second later, it won’t matter. All at once, He will erase every tear and pain. We will wonder why we wasted any energy on being afraid of dying.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?” Why fear death when it is powerless to do you any harm? (1 Corinthians 15:55-56) You are chosen and sealed by the blood of Jesus, kept forever safe in His arms. (Ephesians 1:13-14; John 10:28-29) Death cannot defeat us because it is the gateway to eternal life for those who know and love the Lord! You don’t have to be afraid of the unknown because you know what is to come. Jesus promised He is preparing a place for you to live with Him in Heaven. (John 14:2-3)
The only reason I can imagine a Christian would fear death is if they don’t believe the gospel is true. In which case they’re not a Christian after all. Having doubts is okay, but you need to work those out before it is too late. (2 Corinthians 13:5; Hebrews 3:12-14) You either believe Jesus is who He said He is, or your lack of belief destines you to Hell. (John 8:24; Acts 4:12) In that case, your fear of death is the most rational fear you could have.
No Christ follower should fear death. Don’t let the Devil play that mind game on you. Satan knows your death will give you what he can never have—eternity with Christ. He hates that and tries to make you doubt. Trust in what Jesus said and what Jesus did. The shadow of death holds no fear for those who belong to Christ. He is our hope in life and death, and He will never leave or forsake us. (Psalm 23:4; Hebrews 13:5) Rest in that truth and never fear death again.