ICS Daily Devotions
Christians Should Not Fear Death
We are in a pandemic situation. The World Health Organisation has declared a state of global health emergency over the COVID-19 and the world seems to be spinning out of control because of this. It is easy to be gripped by fear when we see chaos especially when it has direct implications on our lives. The instinct for survival is natural in all living beings and when alarmed, our self-preservation instincts kick in and we rush to protect ourselves from illness or lack. This can make us resort to selfish acts like hoarding supplies, even fighting to protect those supplies from being stolen. Deeper fears are also experienced in the plummeting economy due to isolation and lock downs; loss of jobs, housing, financial stability, to name a few. A fear of failure from loss of control and identity can also result. For some, the fear of catching the virus is distressing as poor healthcare systems, rising death rates or the fact that no vaccine is available yet makes it look grim. This gives rise to panic and blame. Sadly, we also see a fear of men, mistrust of neighbours and societies being divided by prejudice and hate.
So what is the root cause of all these fears in Man? It is ultimately, the fear of death. The fear of first the physical and then the spiritual death. The leaving behind of loved ones, the pain and suffering when sick and the uncertainty of what we will face in eternity when we die. If there is a heaven and a hell, where would we go? If heaven is a place where we are with God who is full of love, then hell would be a place separated from Him with much suffering and pain.
I Corinthians 15:51-57 NKJV “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
As Christians, we cannot avoid the physical death. However, we are assured that our spirits will not suffer the second death and be tormented in a hell far from God because we know that Christ, who was incorruptible, conquered death both physically and spiritually. He suffered for our sins on the cross, was resurrected and now is with God in heaven. God’s wrath on Man’s sin has been satisfied. His victory over [death and separation from God] belongs to us through faith in Him by the grace and mercy of God. We, who believe in Him, are forgiven and made righteous by the shedding of His blood as payment for our sins and we can now stand before God without condemnation as co-heirs to His Kingdom with hope for a glorious Life in eternity with God. A victory that is cause for celebration indeed!
Sermon Series: Fear Does Not Belong to You
