The recent death of people, like Michael Jackson, and the associated hysteria and the outpouring of grief for such a loved one who has died, is tied up in the loss of that person from here on Earth.
Funerals to me are either profoundly sad or joyful.
Joyful, only if I know that they were a Christian. For I know where that person is now. Even though I am sad for the loss here on earth, I can rejoice in the fact that I will once again see them in Eternity. And then, on the other hand, profoundly sad if they were not a Christian – for not only are they lost to me here on earth, but now also for eternity.
Regardless of belief systems, there comes a time to pass from this earth… we know this as death.
As a Christian, I believe we will stand before the Judgment Seat of God. Some will have everlasting life and the others will be destroyed forever – so says the Bible:
…But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
Daniel 12:1,2
My belief in Christianity came way before it was logically considered. But, logically, if what Christianity says is false, then when I die, I am dead and will know no more. I pass into nothingness. But if what Christianity says is true? Then there is one of two things in store for me: 1. a glorious Eternity to live in, or 2. if I don’t accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then there will be oblivion and I will cease to be.
So either way, if I were to live life this side of death the way Christ asks me to, it would be a life worth living anyway… it is a selfless life of love. There is nothing in the Bible that asks me to do bad things. In fact, everything I have read and studied in the Bible causes me to be a better person in every way… I don’t always get it right, but good when I do. What better way to be remembered by those we leave behind.
Therefore, logically, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
But then, Christianity isn’t logical. It isn’t religious. It isn’t a set of pious rules.
Christianity is all about relationship…an intimate relationship with God.
As with any relationship to grow into intimacy, there must come a time to decide if it is a relationship worthy to pursue, and if so there comes a choice to begin to take steps toward the one we desire to know better. Want to start? Want to know God intimately? Start here.