Some people take pride in their fearless nature. They fancy themselves as being bold and courageous and not afraid of anything. But there is something that most people fear, even the most courageous, and that is death. Men fear death because of the misery that attends it. Men fear death because of the darkness and corruption which follow it, and because of the uncertainty of their condition beyond it. Death is something that we do not want to talk about, or even think about because when we do so, thoughts of pain and sorrow arise. When one contemplates death, thoughts of crying and tears surge to the forefront of the mind, and thoughts of loneliness and sadness occur, sometimes at the very mention of it. When one contemplates death, he thinks of how much he wants to escape it, but in the same wave of thought, he realizes that he cannot. Death is a reality that we must all face (Hebrews 9:27; 1 Peter 1:24).
The Bible refers to four kinds of death: 1. Physical death – This takes place when the spirit is separated from the body (James 2:26). 2. Spiritual death – This takes place when one is separated from God because of sin (Isaiah 59:1, 2). 3. Eternal death (the second death) – This takes place when one dies physically while being outside of God’s favor (Revelation 20:8). It is eternal separation from God. 4. Death to sin – This takes place when one separates himself from sin by obeying the gospel of Christ (Romans 6:1-3).
Our eternal destiny depends on what death we experience before we die physically. Will you die spiritually and dwell in that lost state of eternal punishment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9), or will you die to sin and abide in Christ? That is the decision you must make before you die physically.
Spiritual Death
One is not born spiritually dead as some imagine. This death occurs only after a person sins by transgressing God’s law (Romans 7:9). Why do men sin? Man sins when he has a greater desire for the temporary pleasures of sin than for pleasing God (James 1:13-15). Now, I realize that some will say, “So what! If I am separated from God as a price for having some fun here on earth, big deal!” Well, it is a big deal. Why? It is a big deal because to be separated from God means to be separated from all of the power, promises, and privileges of God. Prayer is a privilege reserved for those in fellowship with God (John 9:31). Peace with God is a privilege reserved for those who have been justified and who therefore enjoy fellowship with Him (Romans 5:1). Salvation is a blessing reserved for those in Christ, that is, those who are in fellowship with God (2 Timothy 2:10). The fact is, fellowship with God is a wonderful privilege within itself (1 John 1:4-7). Furthermore, as we pointed out earlier, the consequence of dying physically while in a spiritually dead state is terrible. It is not simply ceasing to exist, as some people would have us to believe. It is an eternity of torment in the fire of hell (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 13:24-28; Luke 16:20-26; Revelation 14:9-12; 21:8). This is the death that the Devil wants you, and as many others as possible, to experience. But there is an option.
Die To Sin
This is accomplished when one obeys the gospel (Romans 1:16). Paul said, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:17, 18). What is involved in obeying the gospel? Hearing (John 6:44, 45), believing (Mark 16:16), repenting (Acts 3:19), confessing (Romans 10:9, 10), and being baptized (Acts 2:38). The result of obeying the gospel and dying to sin is not only escaping hell but inheriting a home in heaven (John 14:1-3). This is described as a great victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). It is the receiving of a crown of life (James 1:12), and an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away (1 Peter 1:4). It is to spend eternity with God in a state of glory (Romans 8:18; Revelation 22:1-4).
So, what death will you experience before you die physically? Spiritual death or death to sin? The choice is up to you. But remember, physical death can overtake us at any time (James 4:14). The time to act is now!