NEVER TO DIE AGAIN

April 5

For they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 

Luke 20:36

Death is a terrible reality of the world we currently inhabit. As believers we understand that death is simply a transition from this world into the very presence of Jesus (2 Cor. 5:8). From that perspective, we do not need to fear death. Even in that transition, God promises to never leave us (Heb. 13:5). As we are reminded in Psalm 23:3, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” In addition, God will send his angels to escort us to our eternal home (Luke 16:22). 

And yet, there is something terrible about death. The suffering. The separation. Thus, when Jesus promises that those who attain to the resurrection from the dead cannot even die anymore, we rejoice! In addition to the great blessing of being in the presence of our God forever and ever, we will never have to fear or experience death. John reminds us, “…and there will no longer be any death…” (Rev. 20:4). No more suffering, no more separation, no more grief. As sons and daughters of the resurrection to life we are guaranteed the privilege of never having to die again. 

The Apostle Paul refers to death as the ‘last enemy’ that will be abolished for good (1 Cor. 15:26); which causes him to celebrate, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” Meditate on the truth that death will soon be defeated for good! 

Joshua Steiner