Christ’s Resurrection Gives Us Positive Answers to Life After Death

By Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam          

 

Fear of death is thought to be the root cause of all fears. Claustrophobia is really the fear of dying in a small and constrictive place. Hydrophobia is the anxiety produced by the fear of drowning. Agoraphobia is the fear of dying as a consequence of being in an open place, and aerophobia is the apprehension of dying in a fall from a high place. Underlying each phobia is the fundamental fear that somehow any of these conditions could become life threatening.

 

The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:24, “For all men are like grass, and all their glory is like flowers in the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall.” Job said, “My days are swifter than the weaver’s shuttle.” James said, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Life on earth is temporary. We all must die some day. The truth of Christ’s resurrection can and will take away our fear of death. You must renounce the lies Satan has made you believe.

 

The first lie Satan would have you believe is that death is final. In John’s accord of the resurrection, Jesus challenged Thomas to put his finger into his side and stop doubting and believe death is not the end (John 20:27). In Luke’s account, two angels said to the women who came seeking for Jesus at the tomb, “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6). The book of Acts records that Jesus showed himself over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Satan is a liar and death is not final.

 

The second lie is that death is unknown. Jesus said in Revelation 1:17 & 18, “Do not be afraid, I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the key of death and Hades.” When Christ died, He died to conquer death. In Christ the sting of death is broken (1 Corinthians 15:55 & 56). We know the only One who has tasted death for us. Therefore, you must believe and accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

 

The third lie is that death is lonely. The Psalmist expressed it well: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Also in Psalm 139:7-10, the Psalmist said, “Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

 

God’s word says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

 

The fourth lie is that death is tragic. Jesus teaches that death is like the planting of a seed. It is buried only to bring forth life in abundance (John 12:23-25). Death is not a stumbling block but a stepping stone.

 

Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

 

Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

 

2 Corinthians 5:6; “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.”

 

Easter puts a stop to fearing death. Jesus says in John 11:25 & 26, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” Believe, and victory will be yours! 

 

CALVARY NEWS

Issue No. 7, April – June 1987