Isaac Vijay Kumar Neelam
(Mob: 9742814446; Email:isaacneelam@gmail.com)
Among all fears, fear of death is the most distressing one. The fear of death hounds us from the day we become conscious of ourselves. We are so protective of ourselves each day because we do not want to die. Dr Margaret Paul, in her article entitled Fear of Death writes, “Fear of death comes from two feelings: 1. When we die, we disappear, 2. When we die, we will be punished for our sins. God is judgmental and we will end up in hell.” These are common feelings of a non-believer. No philosophy or theory of this world has an answer for this fear except Bible. All the books and philosophies of this world talk about all the beautiful things of life but not about afterlife. God of the bible promises life after death to those who believe in his only begotten son, Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, buried and rose again on the third day. Those who believe in Him shall come back to life (resurrect) even if they die. Death to life! Wow! Greatest miracle of all! Resurrection matters because all our faith depends on it. Our future hope stands on this event. Yes resurrection matters!!!
Apostle Paul gives a clear teaching on resurrection in 1 Cor. 15. He talks about the gospel he preached, the gospel they (Corinthians) received and the gospel by which they are being saved. He goes on to explain that gospel: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4). He makes a very important point here. He says that resurrection of Jesus Christ is as important as crucifixion. It is the core content of gospel. He goes on to say… if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…as if the whole faith is reliant on resurrection. Paul goes on to say: if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are to be pitied more than anyone. If there is no resurrection, better eat, drink and merry! But the fact of the matter is: Jesus rose from the dead, he is alive today and this has enormous influence on every facet of our lives.
The hope of resurrection should lead us to:
1. Radical obedience: Paul says in vs. 32: I die every day. There is a radical change in his lifestyle when he understood the gospel in entirety. He had to die every day to something. It could be a desire or a sin. Having experienced the power of resurrection through Jesus, are you dying for sin each day and living for Christ? Are you living with a heavenly agenda?
2. Experience joy in Christ: Because of the resurrection, our sins are forgiven, our faith is strong and we have an eternal hope. This fact should motivate us to experience the joy in Christ. Our lives do not end after death. Death is the beginning of the real life. We have a hope that even if we die today, our bodies would resurrect physically one day and meet our Saviour. What a hope!
3. Overcome the fear of death: Instead of fearing death, believers must view death as promotion. We are no longer condemned to hell. The fiery, burning hell is prepared for Satan and for those who reject Jesus Christ. Paul said, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. On understanding the hope of resurrection, our perspective on death must change. We are heavenly citizens. What an assurance! We can boldly shout the scriptures: O Death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Comfort those who lost their ones and warn the unbelievers about the coming wrath: The hope of resurrection is good news for those who believe in Christ. At the same time, this is a bad news for unbelievers. Those who have not trusted are going to be resurrected on the last day but for the purpose of judgment and condemnation. What a warning! Is it not our responsibility to share this news to everyone around us?
5. Set our accounts right to face the judgment seat of Christ: One day we are going to face the king of kings in all His glory. We should not take the great gift of salvation for granted. Instead, in fear and trembling we should work out our own salvation. Each one has to give an account of everything God has entrusted to us: Our families, time, money, resources…everything.
Yes! Resurrection matters!!!
Let me conclude with the Song written by Gloria and William Gaither: “Because He lives”
And then one day, I’ll cross the river
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to victory
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives