1. Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Some Thoughts on Death

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by FR7 Baptist, Dec 7, 2010.

  1. FR7 Baptist

    FR7 Baptist Active Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2009
    Messages:
    2,378
    Likes Received:
    1
    I'm going to post some thoughts on an issue I've thought about a great deal over the years, that is, death. Some of these are theological while others are more personal in nature. This post doesn't have a point per se, but I believe it will lead to an interesting and edifying conversation. So, in no particular order:

    1. I think all too often people live in denial or self-imposed ignorance of their own mortality. Personally, I realized very early on that my death is not afar off. Over the years, that realization rings even more true. Just so this doesn't get misinterpreted, I haven't developed some kind of terminal illness and I'm not going to kill myself. It's often said and I've experienced that as one gets older, time seems to move at an alarmingly rapid pace. I can only imagine that the passage of time only continues to accelerate. I look back sometimes and ask myself things like, "Where did the last five years go?" Even as a young man, I know my terrestrial life is about a quarter over. There is no point in insisting that death is worlds away, when in fact it inches closer with every breath I take.

    2. For the believer, death is both the entry to glory and the last enemy. At the death of a believer, his soul is immediately with God. I believe in a conscious intermediate state. However, there is still the separation of body and soul. That will only be rectified by the resurrection at the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    3. Death drives home the consequences of sin. Even though it will be reversed at the resurrection, it is human sin that leads to our deaths. I think that's something to keep in mind.

    4. It has often been said that death is the Great Equalizer. One time I was listening to the Rev. Albert Mohler's radio show and he said a better way to view death is as the Great Clarifier. I don't disagree with the reverend on that point, but I'm positing that it's both. In a worldly sense, it is the Great Equalizer because you don't get to take wealth and possessions with you. There's no use in being the richest man in the cemetery. In a spiritual sense it is the Great Clairifier because all one's deeds will be laid bare before God and because what one did with the Gospel will seal one's eternal fate.

    5. I've seen relatives grow old, become sick and frail, and die. I fear the frailty of old age. It's a sobering thought to know that if I live long enough and Jesus doesn't come back first, I will likely end up like that. My 99 year old great-grandmother is going senile. It breaks my heart to see her like that. She told me that her "memory loss" scares her. I can certainly understand why.

    So, there you go. It's a dark topic, but it's worthy of discussion. I've been thinking about posting this for a few months now and finally decided to do it. I look forward to our discourse.

    God bless!
     
  2. kyredneck

    kyredneck Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2009
    Messages:
    19,500
    Likes Received:
    2,880
    Faith:
    Baptist
    I, for one, have done such in the past, but not so much now. My wife and I both are very much occupied these days with tending to our elderly parents, especially mine, and it's sobering enough to witness the mortality of the ones that raised you, and to be alongside them as they face this last enemy.

    Good post. Good thoughts.

    Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Ro 7:24,25
     
    #2 kyredneck, Dec 7, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 7, 2010
  3. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2002
    Messages:
    11,898
    Likes Received:
    4
    I heard the late Dr. Adrian Rogers say "Every one of us is closer to death at this very moment than we've ever been before!!"

    Death is no respector of persons----he closes his eyes as he stalks each victim!!!

    I often tell people at funerals---particularly the wife of the husband who has departed(because almost without fail it is the husband who makes the first departure)-----that-----Death is a "Widow Maker"

    Jesus is the only one who can hold death by his "Adam's Apple"----the rest of us have to let go!!! We can't cheat death---nor can we beat him!!

    Good OP!!!!!:type:
     
  4. HAMel

    HAMel Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2009
    Messages:
    2,099
    Likes Received:
    96
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Time is like gravity and I consider it to be as the curse of sin. Time, as we know it, is a burden as it pulls on you daily and is relentless in its work.

    Yesterday I was young - Today I am old - Tomorrow I'll be in eternity.

    When my father lay mortally injured from a car accident the Lord spoke to me in such a way that it is impossible to explain. Of three specifics I was privileged to witness, one was that in the realm of "timelessness" there is no burden of "time".

    In that realm, things happen in chronological order but that burden of "time" is missing. It's peaceful.

    I'm looking forward to moving on into eternity when the "time" comes. I am certainly not trying to speed things up but look forward to that "time" never-the-less.
     
  5. menageriekeeper

    menageriekeeper Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2004
    Messages:
    7,152
    Likes Received:
    0
    Of course, any of us could stop breathing at any time. However, if we believe God has our days numbered, why waste time worrying about it? If I could count high enough, I'd be able to tell you the number of times my husband has told me through the years that he'd never live to see 45. He's 46 now and will be 47 in February. "Don't worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day are the troubles thereof".
    I wonder sometimes what it is going to be like being free of this frail body of mine that hasn't ever worked normally. I'm looking forward to it. And when God chooses to restore me to a new one, I'll enjoy it working correctly. Both are something I look forward to.
    Yes, it should to the unbeliever. However, as a believer, I am merely stepping from one perspective of life to a different one.
    we agree here, though I look toward He who holds the keys to death and hell.

    I used to fear this myself. As I've grown older and matured I now fear it more for the disruption it will cause to my children and less for the disruption it will cause for myself. One thing I've done to be proactive in this is to let all of my children know how I want to be cared for in my older years.
     
  6. Thousand Hills

    Thousand Hills Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2010
    Messages:
    1,488
    Likes Received:
    6
    Great post Paul, and great insight. I especially can agree with you about time accelarating as we get older "Where did the last 5, 10, 15 years go." It definetely reminds you to make the most out of every day.

    I figured out a while back, that I'm not going to be here one day longer than the Good Lord wants me too. I hope that I can make the most of each day he gives me and answer his call for my life each day. I'm not afraid of death personally, because I've seen enough pain and suffering in this sin cursed world that I know as a believer its not my home. I guess what I do worry about, if I were to die young (I'm in my early 30's) is my wife, and niece/nephew, and parents. That I wouldn't be there for them when they needed me. But I have to trust God, that when its his will to take me home, he will take care of those that rely on me.
     
  7. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    May 14, 2001
    Messages:
    26,977
    Likes Received:
    2,536
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Hi Paul,
    Actually, its not a dark topic at all.
    One way or another He's coming for you and I and all who believe.

    John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

    John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die... ​

    John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
    2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
    3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.​

    HankD​
     
  8. Bobby Hamilton

    Bobby Hamilton New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2010
    Messages:
    569
    Likes Received:
    0
    I know I don't want to live to be old. I believe that "post" flood, God didn't intend for us to live long (whatever your definition of long is). I think we reach older ages today because of medicine, etc, and I don't necessarily think that's a good thing. I don't think our bodies are meant to function at a good capacity at 85 years of age.

    Obviously I don't want to kick the bucket tomorrow, as I want to see my kids grow up. I just hope that I'm as prepared as I can be whenever God calls me home. That's where I struggle because sometimes I'm just not sure I'm where I need to be.
     
  9. Soulman

    Soulman New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2004
    Messages:
    1,088
    Likes Received:
    0
    Death is a transition none of us will escape unless the Lord returns during our lifetime. I watched my brother who is 1 year younger tham me and saved die. Although I knew where he was going and he would no longer suffer, it hurt terribly. I know that is my own selfishness of wanting to keep him here that made me feel that way. Although I know death is not the final blow, knowing that we will never see this person again on this side of eternity has a feeling of finality to it.

    You are right Paul. Sin is the origionator of death. It is and should be a sad experience to watch loved ones pass through it's doors. Although the person dying may be ready and willing to make this next step. It is something we were never meant to experience. But Praise Jesus He promises to be with us and will be with us on the other side!!
     
    #9 Soulman, Dec 7, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 7, 2010
  10. FR7 Baptist

    FR7 Baptist Active Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2009
    Messages:
    2,378
    Likes Received:
    1
    There's the comfort- The Lord will see us through and be with on the other side.
     
  11. webdog

    webdog Active Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2005
    Messages:
    24,696
    Likes Received:
    2
    Death is a curse. Death is unnatural. Death is ugly.

    However...

    Death sheds the believer from the flesh (sin). Death points us to God (Ecc. 3:11). The Death of the righteous person is precious to God.

    As everything else meant for evil, God uses it for good!
     
  12. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2010
    Messages:
    21,242
    Likes Received:
    2,305
    Faith:
    Non Baptist Christian
    In His high priestly prayer Jesus prayed for His covenant people;

    In a sermon on this passage Robert Trail pointed out that for this prayer to be answered......

    Jesus spoke of it as an outgoing,
    31who having appeared in glory, spake of his outgoing that he was about to fulfil in Jerusalem
     
  13. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
    Moderator

    Joined:
    May 22, 2002
    Messages:
    11,384
    Likes Received:
    944
    Faith:
    Baptist
    "When the game is over, the king and pawn go in the same box."
     
  14. Soulman

    Soulman New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2004
    Messages:
    1,088
    Likes Received:
    0
    God is not engaged in some sort of game!:BangHead:
     
  15. Servent

    Servent Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2003
    Messages:
    797
    Likes Received:
    0
    Im not so much worried about death, it's how I get there that bothers me. I would hate to drown. right now my mother-in-law is in the hospital dying of lung cancer, She knows death is coming any day, I don't think I would like that either.
     
  16. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
    Moderator

    Joined:
    May 22, 2002
    Messages:
    11,384
    Likes Received:
    944
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Er .... what? I didn't say that He was. No need to bash your head in. :flower:

    It's figurative language, brother. Death is coming for us all. No one can escape it. When a king dies and when a pauper dies, they will be both equally dead and equally standing before God's judgement. As another as said here already, death is the "great equalizer".

    And by-the-by, the Bible is full of figurative language. Psalm 91 says that God will protect us with His feathers and His wings, but that doesn't mean that God is a chicken.
     
    #16 Scarlett O., Dec 8, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2010
  17. MB

    MB Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2006
    Messages:
    6,890
    Likes Received:
    262
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Death is something I think about most when someone I know has died. Seems lately there have been a lot of people I know who have died. I find it both a little scary and comforting. Comforting knowing I'll be with the Lord. Scary simply because I've never died before.

    Life is but a whisp in the wind compared to eternity. I'm very glad about where I'll be in that eternity.
    MB
     
  18. percho

    percho Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2009
    Messages:
    7,304
    Likes Received:
    458
    Faith:
    Baptist
    How word of God accurate are these thoughts? Just thoughts mind you.

    Jesus of whom it is said that in all [things] he might have the preeminence said, I will build my church.
    This is also said about Jesus. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: David spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This was said on the Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus and later on that day it is said that on the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. I assume it is safe to say souls have been added to the church since then up to the present. Many of them have died yet there will be some that are alive unto the coming of the Lord.

    I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

    Questions???

    Is this the same hell that the soul of Jesus was raised from or not left in?
    Is it not death that is the gateway into this hell?
    Is it not then death that will not prevail over the church?
    Will not most souls that have been added to the church have to be raised from hell?
     
  19. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2010
    Messages:
    21,242
    Likes Received:
    2,305
    Faith:
    Non Baptist Christian
    Believers do not go to hell at all,but rather are immediatly escorted into the presence of God.
     
  20. percho

    percho Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2009
    Messages:
    7,304
    Likes Received:
    458
    Faith:
    Baptist
    The gates of hell shall not prevail against it - O death, where thy sting? O grave, where thy victory?

    Do you think these two statements are relative one to the other? Do they not say the same thing?

    I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. What does this mean?
     
Loading...