First, every human being lives under a threat: death. It is a serious threat for several reasons. When death strikes, it breaks up a family and brings deep sorrow. It is mankind’s greatest enemy. On top of that, human beings are powerless against it. It comes and takes away life just as it wishes. It frustrates every human being. But death is most frightening because we will stand before God’s judgement seat after we die: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Heb 9:27). It is frightening because God will punish human beings for the sins we committed when we lived in the world with eternal hell. But can’t God not punish sinners? He can’t because a Holy God cannot allow sin to go unpunished. Thus, if your sins are not removed, you can’t afford to die.
Second, Christians, however, are not scared of death. I’m not saying that we do not have feelings of fear when we think about death. Many, if not all, will feel fearful at the thought of death. What I mean, however, is that these feelings of fear actually have no real basis. That’s why the apostle taunts death: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55) Why could Paul taunt death? The reason is this: Jesus “Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross . . . by His wounds you have been healed” (1Peter 2:24). Praise the Lord. Jesus took our punishment on our behalf.
Thus, God will never again remember our sins. We will never need to be punished for our sins. Death is no longer fearful because it actually opens wide the gate to heaven for us. Paul says: “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2Cor 5:8). To be away from the body, that is, to die, is to be with the Lord in heaven.. When we die, we will immediately enter into our Lord Jesus Christ’s glorious presence and receive eternal glory.
Third, God also promises every Christian, that is, every child of God, that “never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Heb 13:5). Our kind Heavenly Father will take care of you for all eternity, starting from the day you receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Praise the Lord. We may face all kinds of trouble in this world, but your Heavenly Father will be with you and enable you to overcome victoriously all things. Every child of God is guaranteed of eternal safety in this life and for all eternity.
The composer Isaac Watts says that when Jesus was born about 2000 years ago, from that moment onwards, “Joy to the World!” The reason: Jesus Christ has conquered death for every Christian, that is, for everyone who is willing to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Thus, dear Christian, rejoice not because there is no suffering in this world, but because your Saviour saves you for all eternity.
My dear non-Christian friend, ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour today and He will give you the precious gift of eternal life. Then, you can truly have joy in your heart. Indeed, joy to the world and joy to you!