The Dreadful Subject: Death

1 Corinthians 15:55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  

It has been my desire to write about this subject for some time. Knowing it is somehow socially unpleasant, I procrastinated but the mystery shrouding makes me believe that this subject is of interest to many.  

The inescapable reality of death compels every rational individual to contemplate the possibility of existence beyond it. If indeed there exists an afterlife, our actions on Earth should be guided by the anticipation of this subsequent phase of existence. It is my aspiration that this article may offer solace to many and bring closure to the pervasive question that lingers in the minds of all. 

Death is mystifying because despite the abundance of accounts recounting near-death experiences (NDE), many people are not convinced that such experiences of life after death is the truth. Critics tend to dismiss such encounters as mere hallucinations or, at best, extraordinary exceptions that do not validate the concept of an afterlife. Nevertheless, Dr. Jeffrey Long a researcher on the NDE believes that his research on over 5000 people that encounter NDE, defined as instances in which a person is clinically deceased but subsequently revived, provides compelling evidence supporting the existence of life after death. 

Religious perspectives on death generally align with the moral doctrine that something exists beyond this life. Nevertheless, they do not offer concrete, empirical evidence regarding the nature of the afterlife. Rather, these beliefs can be seen as an extension of human reasoning, linked to the concepts of retribution and reward. Hence, the prevailing consensus is that it is wise to engage in virtuous actions in order to potentially mitigate or avoid any potential consequences in the afterlife. 

Philosophers' perspectives on the concept of life after death tend to be shrouded in uncertainty. While their logical reasoning often leads them to acknowledge the likelihood of an existence beyond mortality, the lack of concrete knowledge about this realm compels them to concentrate on leading a virtuous and valiant life in the earthly domain, a realm within their grasp, rather than delving into conjecture about the unknown which is beyond them. 

 

Christian Doctrines (teachings) on death 

Christians believe in life after death absolutely. Their faith is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom they believe to be God incarnate as man on earth. He unequivocally and directly addresses the matter, assuring those who place their faith in Him that they will receive forgiveness for their transgressions and share eternal life with Him in the realm of heaven. 

Skeptics often raise questions about the validity of the Lord Jesus' teachings. In the realm of law, the establishment of truth relies on the presentation of evidence. Evidence can be broadly categorized as either direct or circumstantial (indirect), with direct evidence being the preferred form, although circumstantial evidence can also be deemed acceptable under certain conditions.  

To substantiate the truth of the Lord Jesus' statements, we must scrutinize both direct and indirect evidence pertaining to his actions, the corroboration of his assertions, and assess whether his predictions regarding death come to fruition. The Christian doctrine, which affirms the existence of life after death, is supported with both direct and indirect evidence. 

 

Direct Evidence  

The documented historical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ offer us a profoundly vivid insight into the concept of life after death. His earthly sojourn took place at the height of the Roman Empire, an era renowned for its meticulous record-keeping. Jesus's teachings on the existence of an afterlife were meticulously transcribed in the scriptures. A compelling illustration of this belief is found in the Gospel of Luke 16:19-31, where the Lord Jesus openly teaches that there is life after death, depicting the outcome of the saved and the unsaved. Lazarus, who was saved, found himself in Paradise, while the affluent man, categorized among the unsaved, experienced the depths of hell. 

The crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ stands as the most direct evidence of His death on the cross. This momentous event unfolded as a public spectacle, witnessed directly by people of His era. Furthermore, His resurrection which took place three days later, became a tangible reality witnessed by numerous disciples over a span of forty days. In a remarkable testament to the veracity of this resurrection, more than 500 of His followers beheld His resurrected form, as documented in 1 Corinthians 15:6. The profound act of His self-sacrifice on the cross, followed by His resurrection, constitutes an unprecedented occurrence in the annals of human history. 

Circumstantial or indirect evidence 

Following the death of the Lord Jesus, the Roman Empire persisted in its relentless persecution of Christians. Numerous devout believers paid the ultimate price for their faith, facing harrowing fates in the Roman arena, where they encountered gladiators and wild beasts. In fact, their means of escape from this brutal persecution was as simple as renouncing their Christian beliefs. This ferocious oppression endured not for a fleeting moment but endured for nearly three centuries. The enduring question arises: why would these early Christians cling so resolutely to their faith if the Lord Jesus had not truly risen from the dead? 

  

Christians frequently draw upon the teachings of the Bible, which offers a compelling account of the existence of life beyond the mortal realm. It vividly portrays the prospect of eternal bliss in the company of the Savior in heaven, as well as the dire consequences of damnation in Hell. The Bible stands as an exceptionally well-researched and enduring work. It's truly remarkable to wonder why the mighty Roman Empire, with all its power and enmity towards this faith over the course of 300 years, could not extinguish this book. 

What should we do? 

Considering that life extends into a distinct phase beyond death, what should we do? The Bible delivers a sober statement in Romans 3:23 that all individuals are sinners, bearing the mark of sin. Without seeking for the redemptive power of Christ's atoning blood, a sinner's departure from this world would signify a tragic consequence --- which is an eternal separation from God.  

 

When the Apostle Peter preached the gospel to the crowd in Jerusalem, their hearts were deeply moved, prompting them to inquire, "What must we do?" Peter said unto them: 

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Psalms 23:4 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  

Christians don't bid farewell to their departed brethren; instead, they say, "See you soon." 

With God’s blessings, 

CL