Death Obviously, this is not everyone’s  favorite subject.  This, however, is a reality that God equips His people to deal with, even in a positive way.  There are two types of death to deal with;  and,  unfortunately, most people are not aware of this and only think in terms of physical death.  Oh, how much we do for physical health!  We may watch our diet and exercise.  We may take extra vitamins and supplements.  All of these things do help without a doubt to give us a better physical life.  Satan has sadly beguiled about 99% of humanity into thinking that this is all there is. Satan has beguiled some of these with false religions, which are sometimes close but not the real thing regarding the will of God.  Now, in speaking of the vast majority or the many versus the few (Matt. 7:13-14) I am not trying to be pessimistic, rather I am trying to be objective and realistic.   All need to understand that if we will take care of the spiritual death issue, God will take care of all other death issues.     The spiritual death issue, of course, is our sin.  God faces this issue and sent His son.  We, also, must face this issue now while we have opportunity to do so. All physically alive who have reached the age of maturity (knowing the difference between right and wrong) have made  the  choice  to  sin  and  separate themselves from God (Rom. 3:23).  The reward earned from sin is death (Rom. 6:23) God being pure and holy cannot have any relationship with that which is  contaminated, or defiled by sin.  God is able to make us alive in our relationship to Him whereas because of sin in the past we had a dead relationship with Him (Eph. 2:1-2).  While we are alive in the flesh and are spiritually dead to Him, God wants us to choose a spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-7) or resurrection from those who are spiritually dead.  All this is possible through God’s grace revealed to us through the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  Jesus alone is the way, and the truth and the LIFE    (Jn. 14:6).  Except Jesus should return, you and I will experience physical death.  We don’t have to like this idea, but we do need to understand that this will  happen.  Do not live in denial of this fact.  Plan for your eternity now.  Physical death is part of this world.  This is another reason we do not count this world as being our home.  According to God, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Heb. 9:27).  Our fleshly body will be separated from our spirit where the body (Jas. 2:26) will go to the grave, and the spirit will  return to God who gave it (Ecc. 12:7).  Our clay frames will turn again to dust (Gen. 3:19), as our earthly tabernacle is dissolved (2 Cor. 5:1).  There is a time to die (physically) (Ecc. 3:1-8).   Knowing the ultimate certainty of physical death, by nature all of us are  forced to ask the question, “Is That All There Is?”  Those who are genuine in asking this question seek or search for   answers.  Christians conclude God is the answer!   With God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).  This includes the idea of a resurrection comparable to the resurrection of Jesus Christ Himself and an eternal frame comparable to that of Jesus as well (1 Jn. 3:2).  The Christian hope (expectation) for the future is always bright.  We are presently and eternally spoken of as being more than conquerors because of the powerful love of Christ (Rom. 8:37).  Paul, a faithful worker and apostle, knew he would die.  As he evaluated   living and dying, he said, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21-23).  To live as a Christian and experience the abundant life, which will include endearing relationships with God’s people, is rich indeed;  however, to depart and be in the visible and eternal presence of Christ is very far better.   It is so good to know that we have a Savior in Jesus who cannot fail or lie.  He instilled boldness and confidence in us as He faced death and told His apostles and us that in His death He would be leaving this world in a physical sense and     going on to the other side called heaven to prepare a place for us (Jn. 14:1-3).  If Jesus has tasted death and overcome, we are encouraged that He has the authority to do the same for us when the day of our physical death comes.  All of this hinges, however, upon our individual preparation for our crossing over time. Now, let us reflect upon the tragedy that takes place for those who die  physically and have not cooperated with Christ to deal with their sin problem.  On judgment day these will stand before the righteous Judge and will have to pay for their sin debt.  Jesus wanted to pay their debt but for whatever reason the Judge will see clearly that they have not let Him do for them what they could not do for themselves.  The return of Jesus will include flaming fire and God’s just vengeance through Christ.  Those who are lazy and have chosen not to know God and those who know of God but have refused to obey Him will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord  (2 Thess.1:8-9).  This certainly is a waste and a tragedy.  This is certainly not God’s plan.  God’s plan is that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of His truth (1 Tim. 2:4).  We must not forget the big picture that God and Satan are in a spiritual battle.  Souls are the prizes that both God and Satan want to win.  You and I determine the ultimate outcome of our destiny by breaking the tie.  Satan has the power of death (Heb. 2:14); and death is spoken of as the last or ultimate enemy (1 Cor. 15:26).  Victory is assured but only to those who are IN Christ.  Are you certain of your eternal salvation IN Christ?