Conquer the Fear of Death
Why in the World Would Anyone Be Afraid of Heaven?
by Pastor John Hamel

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he [Jesus] also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)

“Gone With The Wind.” It is still one of the most popular movies ever made. Scarlet O’Hara was the movie’s leading lady. When pressed into making decisions she wished to avoid, she would flutter almost mindlessly and say, “Oh, I’ll think about that tomorrow” and move on to another more pleasant subject.

This is how far too many people deal with the subject of death and dying. “Oh, I’ll think about that tomorrow,” they muse within. Little do they realize that “putting it off” is Satan’s weapon to keep them in fear and confusion about death.

While preaching or teaching I’ve often been heard to say, “Death isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” Granted, the Apostle Paul said that death is indeed an enemy, not a friend.  We should never embrace it or do anything, ever, to speed its coming. (1Corinthians 15:26)

Paul also stated, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1Corinthians 15:54) For the Believer in Jesus Christ, death is a very simple transition, a “stepping through the veil,” so to speak, from this Earthly life into a better, Eternal, Heavenly life.

For the Believer, the Bible says, “To be absent from the Body is to be present with the Lord.” (2Corinthians 5:8) The Apostle Paul said, “To depart and be with Christ is far better” than anything we could know on this decaying, strife-filled little Planet. (Philippians 1:23)

However, the key that unlocks Heaven’s Front Gate is found only in the Person of Jesus Christ.  “This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1John 5:11-12)

There is no other Savior. “Jesus saith… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) All “others” are thieves and robbers, looking to steal your salvation under the guise of “helping you.” “All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers...” (John 10:8)

Those who reject Jesus’ claims will spend Eternity separated from the God Who sent Him. Separated eternally from those they love who accepted Him. (Revelation 20:15) Why don’t you just settle the “death thing” right here and now? If you will, Satan can no longer hold you in fear or confusion about the subject. (Hebrews 2:14) “I’ve done too many things wrong. It’s too late in life. I’m just not like you,” someone said.

Let me say this to that. When I was young I couldn’t focus in school -- too many problems at home. Because of this I didn’t graduate from High School with my peers. However, years later I did receive my General Equivalency Diploma. I soon discovered that when needed, my GED worked just as well as the diploma received by the valedictorian of my class.

Salvation in Christ is the same way. It doesn’t matter how or when you got it, as long as you have it when you need it. (Matthew 20:1-16)

Do you have salvation in Christ? If not, just say, “Jesus, You’re my choice” (Romans 10:13) and you’ll graduate from Eternal Death to Eternal Life whether you “feel” qualified or not.

It’s not based on feelings. It’s based on faith. That’s why Paul declared, “For we walk by Faith, not by sight.” (2Corinthians 5:7)

Be Blessed … John and Barbara Hamel

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