“Death comes for us all; even at our birth, death does but stand aside a little. And every day he looks towards us and muses somewhat to himself whether that day or the next he will draw nigh. It is the law of nature, and the will of God” (Robert Bolt, A Man for All Seasons). While Mr. Bolt is off on his theology and personification of death, it is none the less true. The writer of Hebrews put it this way: “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27). While death has been a part of life, it wasn’t always so.
The sin of Adam and Eve made death an inseparable consequence of sin (Rom. 5:12). God warned them that death would be the consequence of sin (Gen. 2:17). Since then, “the wages of sin” has been death (Rom. 6:23). This spiritual death and separation from God is the most dangerous but not the only danger (Matt. 10:28). Sin can result in a physical death. All mankind suffers the consequences of Adam’s sin in that they die physically (Rom. 5:12), and as a result, the world is dotted with cemeteries. Physical death is often caused by our own choices, our sins or the sins of others. Countless lives have been cut short due to vices, greed, anger and selfishness. Physical death should not be what we are afraid of most. It is the spiritual death that should concern us most. “Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28b). James highlights the nature of sin and that when it is “accomplished, it brings forth death” for the individual (Jas. 1:13-15). “The person who sins will die” (Ezek. 18:20). Though a sinner is dead, he is still able to do his part in the conversion process. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12).
Those who have never “died to themselves” or have been “baptized into His death” must contend with the second death (Rom. 6:3-11). Because “their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). Those that have been baptized are blessed, for “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection [baptism]; over these the second death has no power” (Rev. 20:6). Although it sounds nice, we do not live to greet death as a friend; death to a Christian is a conquered enemy (Rev. 20:14). That is why Paul says, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56-57).
Sin leads to death. It leads to spiritual death, possibly physical death, and surely the second death if it is not forgiven. That can only happen through the blood of Christ. That can only happen through my obedience. Death comes for us all. Are we ready? Are we doing what we can to help others be ready? This is the most important thing we can share.