LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Fear of Death
"Forasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise shared in the same, that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb. 2:14-15).
Death is a terrible thing, that transition from one state to another, from one reality to another. All men, sooner or later, have to face it; it is not possible to avoid it.
Throughout the centuries, art has represented Death as a frightening figure, armed with a scythe that mows down the lives of those it visits. His announcement is not pleasing to anyone. The soul is overwhelmed at the thought of the end that awaits it, and tries not to think about it; but the threat is always lurking.
For the soul -although many try to deny it- knows that it has been created for an eternal existence. God put eternity in the heart of man (Eccl. 3:11), and although he may want to silence the voice of his conscience, in his innermost being he knows that one day he will have to give an account of himself before the One before whom all things are naked.
The fear of death is the fear of the human soul of that instant when, stripped of its garment of flesh, it will have to present itself before God. The process we call 'agony' is the battle of the soul that clings to its carnal sheath, to its earthly roots, because it senses that, beyond that trance, it must render an account to the eternal Judge.
The enemy of God, the devil, enemy also of the human race, subjects men to slavery, leading them to reject even the very thought of death, inducing them to enjoy the delights of sin, to be dazed in the drunkenness of the world. Thus the deceiver envelops them and leads them into the way of perdition. What a terrible bondage this is, and how disastrous is its result, "for the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). So, after physical death, there awaits a second death, eternal death, far more terrible still.
However, eternal death is not our destiny. God does not want the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:32). His heart's desire is that all men be saved and enter into the eternal life he has given us through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, who, being made like unto us, yet without sin, overcame death, and brought life and immortality to light.
Blessed are you, believer, for the Lord has already removed the fear of death from your heart, and you are no longer subject to bondage. Your transit to the other life will be without anguish -the Lord has already tasted in your place the horror of death- and when you close your eyes there will be on your face a sweet expression of peace. You will have flown blissfully to meet your Redeemer.
And you, dear reader, who still harbor that fear which enslaves souls, rejoice, for there is deliverance from death for all those who call upon the name of Jesus, and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead.