Death is an issue that most people dislike to talk about, Christians included. This is because it represents grief, sadness, bereavement, a sense of loss. Christians and non-Christians alike agree to the reality and unavoidability of death; that our bodies suffer the process of decay and return to the ground. This topic is a gloomy one and the thought of it creates fear especially to non-Christians (at least for those who do not know what will happen to them in the afterlife) due to a general perception that death is a tragic end to the one life that they know of. Christians of course do not believe that this mortal life is the only one, but rather death is a separation of body and soul. Erickson says, “Believers, although still subject to physical death, do not experience its fearsome power, its curse.” The perishing of the immortal, corruptible life marks the beginning of eternal life.
The problem is many Christians see their days on earth as more important than the life hereafter. When physical existence is more real than heavenly destination, death is unwelcome. Carl F.H. Henry summarizes beautifully how Christians should respond:
“Heaven is the beatific(pure, virtuous, excellent) vision, ever deeper communion with God, the perfection of God’s image, the fulfillment of spiritual nature, the maturing of higher capacities, the perfection in holiness, ‘serving God day and night.’…. If, in this life only, we have hope, death is a terrible tragedy, unrelieved pessimism, the dark night of the soul. If Christ is our hope, death has already lost its dominion; it is the threshold of life; life is ‘present with the Lord’ and reunion with the blessed dead, in communion with whom the beatific vision will be shared.”
Sources referred to: Christian Theology by Millard Erickson, Basic Christian Doctrines-Contemporary Christian Thought by Carl F.H. Henry
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Dear Alwin
You seem to suggest that one should be more concerned with the hereafter than things on earth but there is a saying in christian circles that 'one should not be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good'.It means to say we should not be always thinking of death and heaven but must endeavour on earth to save as many souls as we can from hell and take them to heaven with us.In short strive to labour for the gospel's sake on earth,for there is an urgency in the gospel that cannot wait, heaven and our rewards can wait.
Any comments.
I think it is healthy to reflect on both life and death, heaven and hell. These are real issues that influence the way we live our life on earth.
A simple run through the concordance will reveal many vv. on life, death, heaven and hell.. An an example, Jesus talked about heaven and hell issue to teach us godly priorities.. Matt 6:19.
In fact, Jesus wants us to be concerned for the hereafter. That's our Gospel message -- John 3:16...whosoever believe in Him shall not perish (die)...Rom. 6:23..wages of sin is death (hell)...etc. also Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms etc etc.
One last thot -- you might want to check out this website "New Research Explores Teenage Views and Behavior Regarding the Supernatural." by David Kannaman of Barna Group. www.barna.org
God bless your studies!
Dear Raymond,
I agree with your comment about not worrying too much about death and heaven but instead to put such focus on doing the work of God and advancing the message of the Gospel.
But to do Alwin justice, I don't think there is a single notion in his post where he suggest "one should be more concern with the hereafter than things on earth".
He was simply responding to the post question about what should be the proper respond of Christians to death and He was simply speaking the truth of our living hope in Christ for eternal life, not only in perfect Heaven with all its splendor, but in the very longed after glorious presence of our God whom we served so dearly while on earth. He is just reminding us this fact and therefore Christians should not fear death as we are no longer under its curse.
I sincerely believe a Christian who hold such a view of Heaven and afterlife, the person will serve God and the advancement of His Kingdom with much assurance, relief and joy.
On another note, yes we shall always strive to labour for the Gospel's sake out of obedience, faithfulness and love for God (all these is done as a result of the grace, love and work of God in our life). Heaven and its "rewards" are more like "bonus" by His love for us, not so much acting as our drive or motivation to serve Him.
Thank you.
Ray, its good to read carefully.
He is saying that our perception of death is wrong it should not be feared and avoided but embraced. its only part of our journey in life and the begining of the many good things that are promised in heaven.
But i believe we get too comfortable and we get to contented with what we have on earth. we do not understand death, we do not see nor do we fully comprehend life anfter death. i believe Christians today have a very weak eschatological understanding and appreciation of what life is after death.
Something to think about as Christians. we should not be comfortable and myopic of our life here we forget heaven. A worrying trend isn't it?
dear alwin, would like to hear your view on erickson's comment that 'death' was not in God's initial plan. GB.
Dear Alwyn,
Death is certain but its sting removed, shouldn't we as Christians be singing and rejoicing when death comes? You have described how some Christians respond to death but you have not shown us the proper response of Christians to the issues of death apart from quoting from F. H. Henry. Still not clear how should Christians view death according to you!
Thanks for your comments. Christians are privileged to have the hope of resurrection, a life of eternal bliss after death. But I think we need a stronger conviction of this fact. I remember reading somewhere and the author is quoting Charles Spurgeon who said in actuality there are few Christians who believe in resurrection! WOW! What a statement. Probably it is due to the fact that many of us did model our lives after the temporal values and not the eternal ones. Anyone who firmly had the hope of resurrection in him or her would live radically different in this temporal earthly life.
Hi, Raymond, I don't think it's wrong to be heaven-minded. Only when there is hope reward in heaven that our labour has maening here on earth. Just like the song "Imagine there is no heaven!", Then all our labour and faith will be in vain!
Hi Alwin,
Thanks for your sharing. Christians too do struggled in their fear of death; not just because they tends likened to this world and not welcoming the afterlife. The basis to fear of death can comes with many reasons; e.g. uncertainties of what lies ahead, for no one actually gone there and back to tell us the stories other than the affirmation from the scriptures; separation from loved ones; or even in the vent of unfinished business. Some may tell you that they are just not ready, possible due to their 'shallow' faith?
Hi Alwin, I agreed with your saying about how Christians should approach death.
But in reality some still struggle when the time approaching.
Looking at Jesus struggles in approaching the cross/death in the garden of Gethsemane give me an idea of the struggle and horror in facing death. Not so much of our area of faith towards God but the struggle of our flesh (feeling, mind, emotion).
You said, "death is a separation of body and soul." Is there a separation? The word psuche really refers to the body as well as the soul. What do you think of the resurrection in the last day, is it the soul or the body that will be resurrected?
Hi, Alwin.
thanks for the explanation on attitude of Christians toward death.
I think as Christians we can face death with a positive attitude for heaven is a place of God has prepared for us.
indeed, this is our faith in Jesus Christ.
Hi Alwin,
Ya agree with you that most Christian are not prepared for death. It is sometimes made difficult by their family members who are not willing to release them as if they are going to some unknown place that they may not meet again.
It is important for Christian to know and be taught the real meaning of death in depth and only in surface level.For some it is an issue that they do not want to deal with.
Thank you.
Eunice
I agree that Christians fear death too. Remember the response of Jesus at Gethsemane? But I wonder if that is a response to the "cup" he had to face, or to death itself. Meanwhile, you also mentioned that the topic of death creates fear in non-believers.
More often than not, there will be non-believers present at Christian funerals. Would it be weird then for Christians to be joyful? I think the older non-believing generation would think us disrespectful.
I would say I don't agree with the idea that Jesus feared death even when He had to face and went through a torturous death. That would contradict the statement He Himself had previously made to the disciples to not fear those who can only kill the body. Hence He left an example for us on how to overcome the fear of death by not fearing it. I would not say that Jesus don't feel fear. Perhaps He did. But certainly that fear is brought under subjection. It did not mastered Him. ..."Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys death and Hades"(Rev. 1: 17, 18).
i think that most of us fear of death. though cognitively we know Christ holds the key of Hades and He has overcome death. but.....
did Jesus Christ fear of death?
i think he was struggled through the journey to the cross for He was fully man. Indeed death could not hold Jesus. however death speaks of separation. and He knew death would separate Him from The Father. as the result, before the crucifixion, He was full of agony and sorrow.
As Christians, i think mourning for our loved one who passed away is permissible and logical. it is because we have to be separated from this person permanently from this life time.
now does it mean that mourning and being sorrowful is an act of fear? hmm.. i don't think so.
Dear Alwin,
You quote from F.H. Henry that Christians in the afterlife, come with reunion of the blessed ones. I presume you may have the thoughts that one of the good things for Christians to look forward is to see their loves, spouses, children etc on the other-side. Do you really believe in family reunion? Jesus answered the Sadducees who do not believed in resurrection, that there is no marriage-contracts of sort in heaven (Matt.22:23-33). Can that be a good purpose for Christians to look forward to?
Dear Only Passing Through, If we think so much of the eschatological aspects, aren't we too comfortable and forget what we are here (in this physical world)for? What must we do in respect of the eschtology?
I have in mind 2 Thessalonians.
with great respect, Jonathan Tan
Anonymous, I've checked out the Barna Group research on American Teens' view of the supernatural. A very high percentage of youths actually believe in the supernatural. And most non-Christian youths are open to the supernatural as well as engaging in the practices of the occults because of heavy influence by the movie/tv industry's increased efforts in making and promoting supernaturally-themed shows in recent years.
To Mun Chung... Yes, I think it is natural that we should grieve and feel the lost of loved ones, but at the same time we can have hope of seeing them again one day. Just that we don't grieve like unbelievers who had no firm hope of salvation. The Bible said even said grieve with those who grieve. Every case is different. But if a person's faith is strong, he or she can passed away from this life is a dignified way, and not necessarily have to struggled with fear. John the apostle said fear involves torment. And he who fears is not made perfect in love ( 1 John 4: 18).
Thx learner and only passing through for your response to raymond marsden's question on my behalf :)
Learner, it is definitely a joy and relief knowing tht our Lord assures us of His ever-abiding presence as we journey in obedience to Him. We have already been given eternal life and promised a heavenly home before we even complete our 'contract'. Where in the world can we find such a job whereby the employer confirms the rewards and retirement plan long before we finish our tenure? :)
Only Passing Through,
It is not surprising that many Christians do not long for heaven because right in front of us are many 'goodies'. Like you said, myopic vision will lead to us getting too comfortable and think that heaven can be on earth. The hymns and many choruses of old always sung about the longing for the heavenly home. That was because of the persecution, living condition and desperation that was surrounding their 'world' at that time. Maybe when things becomes real hard for us, we will also long for heaven - where our sufferings and sorrows will be put to an end
Freddie,
I believe that there will be family reunion of sort in heaven but of the 'spiritual family' kind. Marriage between a man and a woman is meant for the time on earth. When we get to heaven, every once of energy, time and priority will be spent on worshipping God.
Dohnie,
If a funeral was filled with songs like Come On and Celebrate, smiles and laughter all around, balloons and a hearty buffet meal afterwards, it would be weird :)
The joy that the Christians feel knowing that their bro/sis in Christ has gone to be with the Lord need not be projected overtly (or worst, frivolously) out of respect for non-Christian relatives. Instead, most funerals often portray hope which is acceptable to all present...
Joe,
Erickson's comment that death was not in God's original plan is rightly said because death is the result of sin. If death was the plan, then we would have to say that God had planned for man to sin in order for that plan to unfold.
Hi Donny,
Just to share on a funeral that I attended many years back. There was a request by the dead (of cause before she died, she was 89 very young in the Lord about a year)She want it to be more on celebration and not mourning. The family granted her wish. The whole funeral was different. More praise song not the very up beat ones. There was no ussualy funeral song or message. It was more like an evengelistic meeting. There were a no of relative give their live to Christ. None of us felt like we were in funeral. of cause there were people think it was not a wise thing to do but we need to be bold to grant the wish of the dead.
Hi Alwin,
Still have time to post your 4th article. Don't give up-lah.
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