Yesterday in Youth Bible Study I taught on "Death and Dying". At first glance this sounds like a depressing topic! However, as we got in to the Word and discovered a Biblical perspective on death and dying we quickly learned that hope is around every corner and in every word of Scripture.
Here's a recap of the main points:
1. Contrary to popular belief or the ideas represented in the theme song to the Lion King ("The Circle of Life"), death is NOT a "natural" part of life. In fact, death was not a part of God's original plan, nor will it be a part of His final plan. Death is a consequence of sin and the Fall, and understanding that truth makes the pain we feel when confronted with death make far more sense. See 1 Cor. 15:21-22, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23.
2. Again, contrary to what pop culture thinks is "in" right now regarding the afterlife, when we die we don't go to purgatory or limbo, we don't become ghosts and wander the earth, we're not annihilated, reincarnated, or anything like that. When we die, we go straight to God and face judgement. At that point, considering we're all sinners before God, it's a pretty good idea to have a relationship with Jesus, as He will claim you as His own! See Heb. 9:27, Rom. 3:23, John 3:16
3. As Christians, it is okay for us to experience the full range of emotions God gave us and mourn for loved ones - Jesus did - as long as we maintain our Biblical perspective on death and dying and profess faithfully the hope we have over death in Jesus. See John 11:35.
There may be some things that seem surprising to you when you begin to understand a Biblical perspective on death and dying. What doesn't sit well with you? What suddenly makes all the sense in the world? What lingering questions do you still have? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Here's a recap of the main points:
1. Contrary to popular belief or the ideas represented in the theme song to the Lion King ("The Circle of Life"), death is NOT a "natural" part of life. In fact, death was not a part of God's original plan, nor will it be a part of His final plan. Death is a consequence of sin and the Fall, and understanding that truth makes the pain we feel when confronted with death make far more sense. See 1 Cor. 15:21-22, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23.
2. Again, contrary to what pop culture thinks is "in" right now regarding the afterlife, when we die we don't go to purgatory or limbo, we don't become ghosts and wander the earth, we're not annihilated, reincarnated, or anything like that. When we die, we go straight to God and face judgement. At that point, considering we're all sinners before God, it's a pretty good idea to have a relationship with Jesus, as He will claim you as His own! See Heb. 9:27, Rom. 3:23, John 3:16
3. As Christians, it is okay for us to experience the full range of emotions God gave us and mourn for loved ones - Jesus did - as long as we maintain our Biblical perspective on death and dying and profess faithfully the hope we have over death in Jesus. See John 11:35.
There may be some things that seem surprising to you when you begin to understand a Biblical perspective on death and dying. What doesn't sit well with you? What suddenly makes all the sense in the world? What lingering questions do you still have? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
RSS Feed
