Death

"And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."  Hebrews 2:15

The following message from Min. David Pawson about death is from his series "Life After Death". 

Some might say that this is a somber subject, but many people do not understand what happens to us when we die.  Since this world is not our home, it is important for us to consider life after death.

While Min. Pawson touches on this from an aspect of physical death, some of these things are true as it relates spiritually as well (the death of the old man).

In addressing this topic, Min. Pawson covers:

• One may be able to postpone death, but cannot put it off forever.
• With death being as certain as it is, it is utterly foolish not to prepare for it.
• Even Christians, who should be rejoicing over the fact that Jesus has conquered death, often consider the topic of death as "morbid", indicating the fear they still have about it.
• Many are running from this topic because:
• They have grown too comfortable in this world
• There is a growing pattern of disbelief about any world outside of this tangible one
• We don't like any disturbing ides
• We don't like relationships to end
• Deep down, we fear it.  This fear comes from a knowing that there is something beyond death that they will have to face.
• There are also some misconceptions people have about death:
  
• That it is only something in the mind (i.e. Christian Science theology)
• That the way you live on is in your children, in your memory, or in the work you have done
• That death is the end and nothing exists after it or that Heaven & Hell is what you make of life here on this earth
• Reincarnation, that after you die you will come back as something else
• That after death you are finished with your body forever and your soul goes on to another existence
• Universalism, which claims that after death everyone will go on to a better place
• How are we to know the truths about death?  Science cannot tell us because science can only speak of what is in this world.  Sentiment cannot tell us and often begins with "I like to feel that..." 
• God is the one person in the Universe who knows what happens after death and therefore our source of knowledge must be Scripture.  The Biblical attitude of death is:
• Death is real
• Death is an enemy
• Death is never the end of a single person
• Beyond death there are only two destinies
• This life is decisive for which of those two destinies is ours
• Death is always followed by judgment (albeit not immediately)
• The sting of death is sin
• Death is a conquered enemy because sin has been conquered.