LIVING AND DYING WELL

“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.”
Hebrews 9:27 NLT


This short verse provides a lot of details that one needs to know regarding death and living. Here we see that death has already been fixed as an appointment. Everyone has their own appointed time. The time element may not be the same, yet the road to that appointment is common to all. After death comes judgment. We are not given much detail here but we know from the Bible that all who trusted Christ will never be condemned any more (John 5:24), meaning, believers in Christ need not fear this time of judgment. On the contrary, those who rejected Christ in life, though alive, are judged already (John 3:18) . . . unless that person repents while still alive.

These doctrinal issues are important to us because they greatly affect our way of life! The Lord settled everything about death and dying for those who are His. The date and the manner God’s children die is still a mystery to us. I think it should stay that way . . . a mystery. Knowing all the details will not make life enjoyable but horrible. God in His grace only revealed the general details, for God knows how much reality we can tolerate and still live meaningfully. If a person is sure about His relationship with Christ, his concern will not be much on death but on how to enjoy the life God has given him today.

Living well is the result of being prepared for death. It is in this life that we need to live a life that glorifies God! It is here that humility and grace are much needed, for in heaven, all of us will be perfect and pure. It is here that our generosity is best needed and appreciated . . . for what would one need from another in heaven? It is also here that we take the gifts of grace daily given in the form of fresh chances to live life—an opportunity to make godly choices and the grace to be transformed in our attitudes into the ultimate likeness of Christ’s attitude. It is also in this life that the opportunity to serve and make a difference is much needed.

All true believers of Christ need not fear death nor be plagued with the manner of dying. All is already well taken cared of. Yet all true believers must find life as an opportunity to live with fresh joy, and a heart eager to do the Master’s will! Instead of worrying about death, we might as well focus on why God extended our lives thus far. Living meaningfully in grace and praying fervently with God’s people must occupy our time. In other words, the direct application of our assurance of salvation is not only in the future but it sets our life now into a wonderful motion of hope and meaning! We can choose to live well for Christ has conquered death!


Joyfully and prayerfully,

REV. ARNEL C. TAN