The pandemic has claimed many lives. A lot of questions arise with the passing of a person. We probably have heard sermons concerning the afterlife. I was in a similar circumstance when my only son passed away decades ago. I also have my questions. What happens after death?
Death has always been a mystery, though some may have tried to figure out the answer through research and experiments. Yet, the only source for answer should be from the Giver of Life Himself – God eternal.
Just as I have said earlier, a lot of sermons have focused on the topic of the afterlife to provide hope and assurance. I myself have heard of sermons on the topic as I attended funeral or necrological services. Yes, basically all of them was right to say the hope of eternity is in Christ alone. But the details on when and how somehow differs.
Since the passing of my son, I have a particular interest in the topic of death and life. I initially came to faith in Christ Jesus simply for the selfish reason of wanting to see him again. But with the years of seminary training, study and teaching of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ graciously opened my eyes and mind to understand His Word.
Christians, at the end of our physical journey, do not end up in soul sleep but have continued on. For Jesus Christ said:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26
Obviously, in verse 26, Jesus Christ wasn’t referring to the continuance of physical life but life eternal with Him. None of the apostles remained alive physically though they believed in Christ Jesus. No Christian since the onset of Christianity remained physically alive forever. Without a doubt, Jesus Christ was/is true and faithful to His Word and promises – “everyone who lives and believes in Him shall never die”. Therefore, Christians need not wait for a future resurrection. Again Jesus Christ said:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24
The Greek word for “Christian or Christians, Strong #G5546” was used only three times in the New Testament – Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16.
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 1 Peter 4:16
The Strong’s Greek definition for the noun “Christian” literally means “follower of Christ”. The apostle Peter clearly taught a Christian person ought to glorify God in that name – follower of Christ. It is therefore important to know the Bible’s definition of a Christian. Go, read and study the Word of God. Do not allow yourself to be trap in the loosely interpreted, used and application of the word “Christian”.
The true blessings of Christ Jesus rest in the authority, truthfulness and validity of His Words.
If you want to follow our journey of unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture, you can stay updated by liking our Facebook page. You can also head to our Home page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox.
Liberating Truth 