By Sahala Napitupulu.
Recently days, I receive some news. One SMS said, a woman from our Indonesian Pentacostal Church (GPI) congregation has gone after therapy in hospital for months. Others by phone said, one of our family has passed away after their ship on the sea was broken by stormy wind. Then, I read some writings, from my beloved friends Christian blogger. They talk about death as well. Inspired by one theme, I decided to post my writing.
One day, sooner or later, we have to die. You are rich or poor, male or female, old or young, smart or stupid, atheist or follower of Christ. We must left this world. One of the reasons, we have limited time on earth. Concerning about death, for some people see that death is like nightmare and dreadful. Others see like one had gone vanished. Some people see it is like mistery . I don’t know which one you are.
But I want to share with you how wonderful Paul’s insight is. I agree one hundred percent with Paul. For Paul, death is really not a dreadful and not a nightmare. Paul said that death is benefit ! Yes, benefit ! In his letter to the congregation in Corinthians, Paul wrote : O death, where is your sting ? O grave, where is your victory ? ( I Corinthians 15 : 55 ) This is not Paul’s question. I think this is Paul’ terminology despise or mock about death. Have you seen the point of view ? I have two important points to explain Paul’s insight.
First, Paul lived life in Christ. And Jesus has defeated the death. Scripture said, the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. And the sting of death is sin. And the strength of sin is the law. But praise Lord, Yesus had redeem us from the curse of the law. For it is written, cursed any one that hang on the cross (Galatians 3 : 13 )Thanks be to God, Yesus had been hang on the cross. He died for us. He died for our sin. Then, He was buried and rose again on the third day. That means, the sting of death, the strength of sin had been defeated by Him. And the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ had given for Paul. Not only Paul, but every believer in Jesus.
Second, there is life after death. We have limited time on earth, of course. But this is good news, we have unlimited time after death. We have beautiful place in there . Jesus said, in my Father’s house are many mansions. Scripture named the place Heaven, the New Jerusalem, the City Without Night, the City Without Tears or the Kingdom of God. Paul, disciples, believers will be there with Yesus forever and ever.
Now, let me ask you : have you received Yesus as your redeemer ? Do you live your life still in sin ? Don’t be late. Make decision, wise decision right now to invite Him come to your heart, come to redeem you from your sin. You have to know that God is love. For His loves upon us, He gave His Son Yesus, so that whoever believed in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ( John 3 : 16 ) . Don’t be late to make decision because there is life after death in Jesus.
(foto : www.daylife.com)
