That is certainly a funny story. However underneath the humor there is a serious message. It is the same message found in God's Word where we are told that,"it is appointed for men to die" (Heb 9:27). Each of us has an appointment with death, an appointed time of departure from this life, an appointment that cannot be altered. The Bible tells us that God has the exact number of our days, yes even the exact number of our months, in His knowledge (see Ps 139:15-16, Job 14:5). No matter how hard we try we cannot live longer than our appointed months and years. No amount of medical technology will add one minute to our appointed time. You could literally have the best doctors in the world doing all they can but if you have come to your God appointed time nothing can delay your appointment with death. God may bring you to that appointment through various means. He may use a stroke, a heart attack, cancer, a bullet, knife, drowning, a car accident, a plane crash, a terrorists bomb, the bird flu, or any other fatal thing we could name. How God brings you to that moment is important but not as important as the condition you will find yourself in seconds after your appointment.
I heard one preacher say that yes there is life after death in fact, he said, it is worse than that! There is judgment after death (Heb 9:27). Death is not the end of a man. Death's door does not bring us to a non-judgmental light that accepts all, nor does it allow us to haunt the poor sap who moves into our house when we are gone! Rather death brings us to judgment. However the results of this judgment are not to be a mystery. In fact if the results are a mystery to you that is a fairly good sign that you are not ready for that judgment.
How can you be ready for your departure from this life? The Bible says that you must repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9, Jn 3:14-18). You must believe that you are a sinner, that Jesus died for your sins, and bodily rose from the dead on the third day. You must turn to follow Christ (ie...turn away from sin and self) trusting in Him alone for salvation. If you do this you can know that you have eternal life (1Jn 5:13) and you can know for certain that when the time of your departure comes you will be ready. You can say, with the apostle Paul,
You can say that for you to live is Christ and "to die is gain" (Phil 2:21) and that, when your appointed time of departure arrives, you will depart to be with Christ (2Cor 5:8).
That is how we can be ready for our appointment with death.
Are you ready?
Martin.
Your Appointment With Death
Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Martin, Nov 25, 2005.
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Well, I can't say this is the most cheerful thread to run into. :(
Maybe you should post it in the Other Christian Denominations Forum where there might be non-Christians lurking (although they are supposed to be a Christian to get on the BB). I realize some here might not be believers, but the message above seems to be aimed at a non-Christian board.
Yes, I'm ready, but I think the story you posted above (which I've heard so many times I know it by heart -- there was an a novel written based on it called _Appointment in Samaria_) supports the mideastern belief in kismet , or destiny. Destiny/ kismet is very arbitrary (like Allah) and does not include the mercy and forgiveness we have in Christ. While it is true there is nothing we can do to change our time of death, it is determined by God and not by "fate" or destiny, which is what the story above is about. -
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Martin. -
Martin, I was not offended by the post. I was just pointing out how the story, in not mentioning God, is more about fate than about God, and has nothing about mercy in it. I was not disagreeing with you using it - just making some comments, that's all.
Also, I wonder why you posted it here. Normally, people in this forum don't post messages as though they are speaking to non-Christians. -
Martin. -
I appreiated the post Martin. Although I am a Christian, it is good to hear this type of story to make one think, to make one remember the right path, to make one thankful that I am saved, and that God has mercy, and Jesus is our path.
Thanks for the story!
Jamie -
I took no offence at the story.
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But if the Lord cuts it short tomorrow, that's okay.