Two Deaths
One we cannot escape and the other is obtained by our choice.
“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)
We all have suffered the pain of loss of a loved one. As we age, we find that many of our relatives start to pass away. Tragically, the young are no less victims of death than the old. Sometimes it happens by accident or by disease or other natural causes. We do not like it and we do not like to think about the end of life. But reality tells us all that it is coming and we cannot escape such.
One of the reasons we hate to think about death is because we realize we are not in control. We cannot plan it, and we may prepare for it, but it eludes us when we are ready, and it grabs us or our loved ones when we least expect it. We have no control over death, neither do we know what will take place in death. We may be ready in our minds to meet the Lord, but we still fear the unknown, and death is the greatest unknown of them all.
Does it not seem strange that we respect that which we cannot control, but we neglect what is in our own power to control? What I am talking about is the power that we have over the second death. God gave this power to us. It is so simple, but also so neglected. What is the second death? Let us read Revelation 21:8 “…their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” This describes the eternal place of torment we usually refer to as hell.
We have the choice to choose life or death. God gave the children of Israel that choice through the mouth of Moses the prophet before they entered the promised land (Deuteronomy 30:19). This choice is made by our repentance to turn away from the world and what it offers, and to obey the gospel message by submitting to baptism, and begin our new, changed life for Jesus and all that He taught us to do, faithfully.
The truth is that many people do not serve God and many people do not want to serve God His way. Sure, everyone wants to go to heaven and we allow ourselves to think that we are going there even if we do nothing that God has commanded through His word. The strongest warning we can give our fellow man is that he seek the Lord before the first death overcomes you, for then you lose the ability to choose. Our life is short and eternity is so long. Prepare for the long run by turning to God and obeying Him. Let us help you in this choice.
God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor, August 19, 2009

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