A Time to Die?

There will be a time to die for each of us.

None of us like to think about it, but we know there is no escape. Someday we are all going to die, and we have no way of knowing when that day will come. Death is both certain and uncertain. In a way, I am glad that is the case.

The Bible simply states: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Regarding the brevity of life the Psalmist wrote: “…we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:9-10). We will all come to our time to die.

I enjoy life. It’s great to be alive. But, as a Christian, I should not be afraid of my time to die. Death is not foreboding, frighten­ing, or final. Paul wrote near the end of his life, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me in that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). In another of his letters he observed, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). No, for the Christian, death is not the end, but the beginning of eternity with God. The time to die offers release from the shackles of the body and freedom to soar into the presence of the Almighty. Heaven awaits the redeemed.

But, if we are not Christians, death and not knowing our time to die are the most frightening thoughts our minds can entertain. Apart from Christ there is no hope beyond the grave, only the certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation (Hebrews 10:26-31).

The good news is that Jesus died for all men. We can all be prepared for death and eternity. We can be ready when it is time to die. We can escape hell and enjoy heaven, but we must prepare. It matters little whether our life is long or short as men measure things. What matters is whether or not we have made preparation for death and judgment. Have you accepted salvation in Christ? Are you ready to face your time to die?

Salvation:  Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully