I shall be in the land of the living soon.—John Newton
We are still in the land of the dying because death is an inevitable reality for everyone. Even so, death is sometimes shrouded in mystery and the idea of dying for some is incredibly scary. However, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, death need not be mysterious nor fearful for those who believe.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
Prior to becoming a believer in my 20’s I didn’t think about dying or death. It seemed so distant and something reserved for the aged. Now, nearly 30 years later, I often think about aging and living in the land of the dying.
Recently, I was attending a celebration of life with my mother and I gently asked her what preparations she would like me to make for after her departure. Of course, I am hoping that she has plenty of life still left to live. But, even though she is a Christian, she would not discuss any of the details with me. I couldn’t even get her to give me a song that she would like to have sung. She simply refused to think about or discuss the matter with me. She just said that she didn’t want any fuss made and she wasn’t planning to leave any time soon.
Most people don’t want to think about dying or death. But, we live in the land of the dying, because sin entered the world and the human race (Genesis 3:1-24). Life here is precious, fleeting and temporary.
Even though dying and death are certain, they still remain taboo subjects. They are considered morose, dark and negative topics.
Still, we are only given one life, and its length is unknown, therefore to not consider that we’re in the land of the dying is to deny reality and neglect the eternal welfare of our souls.
We should never take our own lives and there is help and treatment available for depression. Please get help if you are depressed or immediate help if you or others are suicidal.
God is sovereign over everything, including time and life. The Bible says that God has an appointed time for each of us to be born and a time for us to die.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 reminds us of this truth:
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. (NLT)
We need to accept that we are still in the land of the dying. Coming to terms with our own mortality is extremely beneficial and can hopefully direct us to the Lord and give us peace.
Specifically, there are some very important questions to ask and answer to help prepare us for our departure.
Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (NLT)
Do we know that our sins are forgiven, and have we received the free gift of eternal life through the blood sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf?
Do we personally know Him, and have we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior?
Are we trusting in Him alone for our salvation and nothing else?Do we have assurance of our salvation?
Even if we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, but perhaps drifted away we can pray a prayer of recommitment to follow Him. Are we…
…growing as followers and Disciples of Christ?
…fruitful for Him and His Kingdom?
… serving and living for Him?
A yes answer to these questions can remove the fear of dying and death; replacing it with trust in the Lord and peace.
Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (ESV)
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil–and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV)
Christians can know that while we are still in the land of the dying, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we shall one day be in the land of the living. This is especially comforting, if we are going through a difficult time because we can know that it’s only temporary.
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 says, “When this body that decays is changed into a body that cannot decay, and this mortal body is changed into a body that will live forever, then the teaching of Scripture will come true:
“Death is turned into victory! 55 Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NLT)
God gives us victory over death through Jesus Christ!
Do you know if you will be going to the land of the living?
Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Please click here if you would like to do so now.
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I am still in the land of the dying; I shall be in the land of the living soon. –John Newton | CLICK TO TWEET
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