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I once led a bible study with teen boys
in a juvenile detention center. I was giving an illustration of what a
living faith was by saying that if someone held a gun on me and told me
that I had to do what he said, my response would be that if he pulled the
trigger, I would instantly be with Jesus and he would be the one left
trying to explain to the police where the body came from. One boy asked,
“Do you really believe that?” My answer was a solemn “Yes”.
When I was in high school I delivered pizzas. I had a series of cars
purchased around $25 each. At that time I was always waiting for the
license plates to arrive and was used to getting stopped by the police to
show that I had applied for the plates. One evening I was pulled over and
got out of the car and was reaching for my wallet when I looked up and saw
the cop pointing his gun at me with the hammer cocked. He was very nervous
as he had thought I might be going for a gun.
Things like being in the Army during a war or facing a terminal illness
also bring one to consider what happens after we die. The recent exposure
of the nation to the Wuhan virus has brought many to reflect on their own
mortality that they might not have considered it previously. There can be
anxiety associated with having no certainty or hope (Eph 2:12)
Jesus told his followers that there was a way to have eternal life;
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. - John 5:24
The Christian can have assurance from the love he has for other Christians
(John 13:35), that we do not see the bible as foolish (1 Cor 1:18), the
presence of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:22), and the assurance we can have
from the bible (1 John 5:13).
This particular virus may prove not to be as deadly as first thought.
However, regardless of whether we become ill or not, it can be
helpful to give some attention to our eternal fate and consider that in
which we really trust.
Those who have died and are in Hades seem to finally recognize the truth
that they were resistant to during their lives (Luke 16:28). Most people
prefer a comfortable life and turn away from considering things that make
them feel uncomfortable. This particular virus can be helpful if it leads
some to seek after the one that can provide eternal life.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: - John 11:25
As long as we have breath there is always hope that we can come to trust
in Jesus, that he died for our sins, and rose again so that we might live
with him.
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