The Misery of Death

Is there life after death? What does death mean for Christians, and how should we face death with confidence? Death is an appointment we all owe, whether by will or compulsion; Hebrew 9:27 reminds us of this. Isaac Walter had no idea he would not return home when he left for work on a Monday evening. Mr. Isaac was just a few miles away from South of West Palm Beach before discovering his vehicle was overheating. He parked to manage the situation. Just before he could reach to unlock the car burnet, he caught a stray bullet. There was an ongoing robbery in the neighborhood. Whichever way you look at it, it was a wrong place, wrong time menace. It was a tragedy! Although he was a great man, death still came lurking. 

Life is short and uncertain.

Most people don’t acknowledge this fact. Even talking about it seems scary and uncomfortable. We all want to stay alive, at least not seeking death desperately. Probably because we have no ample knowledge of what happens after death; however, when death comes knocking at the front door, you can’t slip out the back door. 

From a biblical view, we will be sharing the lotions and potions of life after death. You need to know what happens next if you die tonight. It’s a difficult pill, but it’s reality. 

At the end of this, you will understand that death has no grip on you. There is a whole new life of eternity that succeeds death. 

Although there has been a lot of debate around the misery of life after death by wise folks, theologians, philosophers, and all that care to air their opinions. But none of these speculations have their roots from the biblical standpoint. We can agree that the one that died, resurrected, and ascended to the throne of grace, has the sole authority and most experience on this subject. 

John 3: 13 recounts that “no one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven. The son of man, the person of Jesus Christ, based on authority, anointing, and experience, exemplifies the three basic truths of life after death. 

Truth #1. There is an afterlife.

In May 2000, Hillary Clinton was speaking in Rochester, New York, when someone asked if she thought she would spend eternity in heaven or hell. “I cannot tell you where I will be,” Mrs. Clinton retorted. “I can only hope and pray that I will find favor in God’s eyes.” (The New York Post). Just like Mrs. Clinton, many believers are on this boat. Their inability to envision eternity because they have no idea if it even exists. Jesus Christ affirms the afterlife when He encounters the Sadducees, who object to the doctrine of the resurrection. 

“But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven’t you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.” Mark‬ ‭12:26-27‬.

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According to Jesus Christ, those who had died centuries before were alive with God at that moment. We need to know that we will see our loved ones again. Death is not the end. The grave is not the goal. On his dying bed, D.L. Moody cried, “Earth is receding, heaven is approaching. This is my crowning day”.

Truth #2. Two possible destinations for a man after death.

Hebrews in the old testament mentions a place called “Sheol,” a murky realm of the dead. Sheol is not just a grave. It is a realm of conscious existence after death, where both the worthy and unworthy exist as souls away from their bodies. What determines a person’s destination hinges on whether or not their faith is firm in Jesus Christ. John 3:15-18 emphasizes the need for faith; hence God sent His only begotten son to the world for the redemption and restitution of our sin such that we may reign with Him in eternity. Eternal joy, peace, and happiness void of suffering and tribulation is the reward for everyone who believes.

Ultimately, the afterlife will be glorious, bountiful, and overflowing with God’s goodness only if you repent and receive Jesus Christ as your savior. Salvation is not transactional; it is free to all who are ready. However, those indifferent about the salvation of their soul will have a very sticky and itching experience. Jesus refers to their destiny as “darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” Mathew 8:12. Jesus, the heaven-sent authority, warns us to make a wise decision on our choice of destination. 

“Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13–14). Besides, Jesus taught more about the different fates of the righteous and the wicked in Matthew 25:46 and John 5:25–29.

Truth #3. Only one way to ascertain a positive experience after death.

Christ defeated death and made it possible for you to do so. No one who trusts in Him has to fear death. 1 Corinthians 15:54–55 reveals that “death has been swallowed up in victory. ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The only way to have a positive experience after death is to be saved. Our earthly home is short and temporary, but the true home is in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. There, it will be all celebration, rejoicing, and merriment. A paradise-filled experience. No highs or lows. No mood swings, no poor or rich. 

A wrap

The story of the rich man and Lazarus immensely exemplify the two different outcomes of life after death, Luke 16:22-23. Salvation is the only key that guarantees you eternal reign with God. Are you saved? If not, ask God to give you faith to believe in Him, who holds the keys of death in His hands.

Do you also believe there is a life beyond the grave? Leave us a comment; we like to hear from you.