Resources/Articles
Immortality
Every man, at some point in his life, will come face to face with his own mortality. It may be by virtue of a personal tragedy, loss of a loved one, or some current national disaster where people have died. Sadly, though, some will mock at the prospect of death. There is no fear in their hearts of the inevitable end of human life. To them, life just has ups and downs, heartaches and joys, burdens and blessings, and toil and tears. When that person finally dies, what then?
Could it be that death is an occasion for a Christian to strengthen his faith in God? Such a thought would have an impact on his everyday living. It will get our attention. It will get the attention of our priorities, our love, our hope, and our beliefs. Eternity with God should motivate us to move closer to the Father. Paul said the life he lived was in faith in the Son of God (Galatians 2:20). Such a viewpoint gave him the boldness to say, “I am ready” (Acts 21:13), and those who “loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8) can be ready also.
Being something other than flesh and blood is hard to comprehend at times, but the temporal nature of life should help us focus more on heaven than on earth (Colossians 3:2). The reason every Christian should think this way is very simple. We died to this world’s allurements. We repented because we knew our lives were not right. We left the hold lust, pride, and selfishness had on our lives. We walked away from the darkness and corruption. Then, we pledged ourselves to be servants that would not let anything separate us from God (Romans 8:35-39). We promised to love Him (John 14:15). We confessed His Son as Lord (Matthew 10:32,33). We realized there is more to life than being born and growing old, that is why we were born again (John 3:3-5). We saw there was something about us worth saving - our souls (Mark 8:36).
Those who are not Christians, whatever flesh and blood offers them is all they care about and all they know. The anticipation of the glories of heaven is not an important consideration. They wake up and lay down being blessed, but do not know why. They drive a car, have a good family, and take a vacation, but they do not know why. They live to reach 17, 22, 26, marry, bear children, then retire, but do not know why. They die, but do not know why.
Jesus said there is one thing worse than dying. “Fear not him who is able to kill the body; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Paul said it was Jesus who brought “life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). Our immortality lies within our response to the gospel. Do not worry about the economy or a terrorist. Do something about your soul.
