Thursday, October 21, 2021

The Fear of Death

The fear of death brings bondage. Yet, all people must admit that death is the common lot of all mankind. How can you defeat the fear of death? God desires to deliver all of His children from the fear of death. If you had a child who was fearful of death, would you desire to set him free? Surely you would. So, God has the same desire for all His children. 

God our Father sets you free from the fear of death through the assurance of His everlasting love. Nothing can separate you from God's love, not even death. God is with you always, and that includes your time to die. "And I am convinced that nothing can separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't" (Romans 8:38, NLT). When you are convinced of your Father's love, the fear of death flees.

God's Son delivers you from the fear of death. Jesus died for your sins. He is risen from the dead. Jesus defeated death in the resurrection. His resurrection is the assurance for every believer that eternal life is real. "Only in this way could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying" (Hebrews 2:15, NLT). Jesus is risen from death for you. Jesus is with you always, even in death.

God's Spirit puts hope in the heart of everyone who believes in Jesus, our risen Lord. It is hope that is steadfast and sure. It is hope that brings comfort and peace. "And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world. But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead" (1 Corinthians 15:19-20, NLT). Because Jesus lives, death is defeated. Because He lives, you can face death with sure hope in Christ.