Fear in Death, Fear of Death

Prayer – Lord, I’m not afraid to die. I know that there are others who quake in their boots to even think about dying—but like Paul, I think…

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:20-24

Help me to be bold for You, Christ Jesus, even if I must suffer persecution, trials, or death. You are my Lord and Savior.

 

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive: "I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death." Revelation 2:8-11

 

Meditate. Are you afraid to die?

 

Afraid to die? Is there fear of death? Is there fear in death? Those are two different aspects. One is just being afraid to die, while the other is being afraid while dying. Beware: Fear is just one of Satan’s evil schemes. Paul wrote to the people of Corinth about such schemes and the importance of forgiveness.

When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NLT

We don’t need to be afraid of dying…since it is just part of living—of being human. We all have to die sometime. No need to be a slave to fear. The second death—that of the lake of fire—is only for the non-believers.

Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:15

The fear or respect of the Lord should be a comforting part of our lives—especially as Christians. The Lord offers us His love, comfort, and peace. Prayer is the answer—respectfully ask Him for peace…and the absence of phobias, general fears, or specifically the fear of death.

Fountain - Manito Park
Spokane, Washington

Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27 NLT

What will you gain in death? What is the benefit to keep living? We find an answer to that in Psalms.

"What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD." You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! Psalm 30:9-12 NLT

No fear. The answers for most, if not all, of our questions can be found in the Bible. The answer just might be…God is Love. Can you search for answers today? It is your choice.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:16-19 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

Verse of Salvation ~ Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. Philippians 2:12

[Note: No one can earn salvation through work—it is a gift from God. Obedience to God after salvation shows respect for our Lord.]

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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