PICTURE FIVE – THE DEATH OF A BELIEVER
In this picture we see something of the peace and joy there is for a Christian at the time of death.
Now death is that which all people normally fear, for to them it is like going out into the unknown.
God has planted in the heart of every race the realization that the death of the body is not the end of the individual. The Bible tells us that it is appointed to men to die once and after death comes the judgement. (Hebrews 9:27)
Death may come suddenly, as when a person has an accident or meets a calamity unexpectedly. It comes without warning and there is no time to prepare. Or it may come gradually, as with old age or when there is a long illness.
But who can tell whether the day of his death will be when he is a child, a young person or an old man? How important then it is to be ready, and to be ready NOW.
Yet it is obvious that the dying man before us is quite unafraid. In fact he is filled with peace and joy, and there is a look of eager anticipation on his face. How can this possibly be accounted for? Why is it?
His heart has been cleansed, Jesus Christ is his Savior, sin has been forgiven. Christ has taken away the sting and poison of sin because He Himself conquered death and rose victorious from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).
Fear has completely left this man’s mind, he knows that ahead of him is a life full of joy in God’s Eternal home. The gate of heaven is about to open for him, and by faith he already sees his Saviour waiting to welcome him (Acts 7:55-56).
For those whose faith is in Jesus Christ there is an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11).
There will be no sorrow in heaven, for God has promised His people that He Himself “will dwell with them, and they shall be His people; He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be any mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4).
The larger picture on the wall shows how, as well as being a Christian, he had witnessed and worked for his Savior, and he longs to enter into the Presence of the One he has loved and served, to hear Him say, “Well done.’
The peaceful scene of the other picture fits so well with the whole atmosphere of the room. Do you wonder why his face is alight with joyful anticipation?
Twitter: @SchoemakerHarry
Website 1: https://devotionals.harryschoemaker.nl
Website 2: http://bijbelplaatjes.nl
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Many people want to go to heaven, but they don’t want to die
True. Also many want to go to heaven, but don’t want to follow Jesus, even if they are told that He is the only way.