Should a Christian fear death?

Woody Allen said, “It’s not that I’m afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” Garrison Keillor said, “They say such nice things about people at their funerals that it makes me sad that I’m going to miss mine by just a few days.”

We joke about death but people are afraid to die. Even the great fear of covid is driven by the fear of death. Should a Christian fear death? Certainly not! The Bible gives us great insights concerning death. Job 5:26 says, “You will come to the grave in full vigor, like the stacking of grain in its season.” Many years ago in the 1860’s Charles Spurgeon pointed out four facts concerning death for a Christian from this verse.

First, death is inevitable. “You will come…” So far only two people have beaten death- Enoch and Elijah. Every other person has died- including the Lord Jesus. Death is certain apart from the rapture. Every one of us will die.

Second, death is acceptable. “You will come to the grave…” A believer is not dragged to the grave. We come to the grave. The apostle Paul was not afraid to die. Paul said, “The time of my departure has come…” (2 Timothy 4:6). The word departure has many meanings. It means “to hoist anchor and set sail.” Paul was sailing into eternity. It also means “to take down a tent.” Paul was about to receive a glorified body. Another meaning is “to loose a prisoner.” Paul was facing release, not execution!

Third, death is timely. “You will come to the grave in full vigor…” Satan no longer has the power of death over believers in Jesus. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, “That through death He (Jesus) might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” The devil has been “rendered powerless.” Death for the believer is no longer the punishment for sin. Now it is the means of entering heaven! Satan’s great power was death. Jesus’ great gift is eternal life. At death God says, “Son/daughter, it is time to come home!”

Fourth, death is honorable. “You will come to the grave in a full vigor, like the stacking of grain in its season.” The picture is God bringing His harvest home. I enjoy driving in Palmer and seeing the fields full of crops ready for harvest. God brings His people home through death.

Jesus in John 14:2-3 said, “For I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” God desires to be with His people.

Why did Jesus die? He died to redeem His people. He satisfied the Father’s wrath against our sin. He died in our place and rose again. His perfect sacrifice enables us to become part of His family.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Many people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.” No follower of Christ Jesus should ever walk in fear. Every day is a gift from God. Proverbs 4:18 says, “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Following Jesus is a bight, straight, safe road that shines brighter and brighter until it bursts into full day. Death is not to be feared for a Christian. It is the means of entering into God’s presence!

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.