The Eternal Ticket

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14

Death is a topic many people either make light of or avoid. Yet, death is not a funny or irrelevant topic when faced with a terminal illness. On the edge of life and death, many things occur. Psychologists have proposed several ways of facing death or dealing with the death of a loved one. Scientific research has yielded information about common experiences with death. However, death is something each person experiences differently. In other words, while dying isn't a choice -- in that all men will die -- one can decide how he or she will perceive death.

The fear of the unknown attacks the perception of death. Is it a place where all things end? Is there really life after death? If so, what's it like? These and similar questions run through our minds as we consider the possibilities. As we continue to search for answers to the unknown, we ought to be careful to not become so consumed with death that we fail to live. Death is inevitable and, with it come all the answers.

Until that time arises, we shouldn't let death conquer us through fear. Christ Jesus came to free us from the fear of death by experiencing it Himself. This defeat of death also brought gifts to mankind. It is through Christ's death that we can have relationship with God the Father and enter into eternal life. Today, we can experience relationship with the Father here in a limited way. However, to gain eternal life and a face-to-face relationship with God, one must die; one must experience death to gain life.

At some point in our lives, we have all seen and desired something greater than what we possessed. We diligently and tirelessly worked harder to achieve the goal. At times, we may realize steps exist that must be taken in order to continue toward our goals. Eternal life is certainly greater than anything we already possess. And while we may not anxiously await death, we realize it is a step that must be taken in order to achieve eternal life. When this becomes our perception, death is no longer feared. It then becomes a necessary event to the greater life.

Hebrews 3:14-15 reminds us that God through Christ Jesus has brought deliverance from death ... not in the exemption of the event, but rather the fear of it. Death is something that doesn't need to be feared, knowing we die only to live again for eternity.

Not fearing death means being confident that Jesus, who has walked this road before, will be present at the time of death. He will guide us through the process, if we allow him. He is our guide, if we trust Him, that there is something beyond death, something greater than this present life.

Perhaps, if we view death as a ticket into eternal life, we may not fear its approach.

Rather, perceiving death as the vehicle to eternal life enables us, at that unavoidable blow of the whistle, to board without fear, believing Christ will adventure with us into the place unknown to mortal life.

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