.Question: I know that I’ll be in heaven, but I still have a fear of the moment of death, the process of dying. Can you help me?
Answer: We are aware of a poem (from the Gospel Tract Society in Springfield MO) which goes something like this: “To bid farewell to earth and its toils and troubles and pains—afraid of that? To exchange this arthritic, bent body for an incorruptible form—afraid of that? To greet loved ones who’ve gone before and behold their joy—afraid of that? To exchange a tear-stained vale for a land without tears—afraid of that?” Some thoughts to ponder indeed.
Consider this: If we’ve become faithful servants, keeping our eyes fixed not upon death but upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2), we will be less likely to succumb to the one sorrow for a believer at death: no, not even the farewell to loved ones, but the regret that while on earth we could have done more in the Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 15:26 tells us that the last enemy to be conquered is death (v. 26), that we will be raised in incorruption, not corruption; in glory, not dishonor; in power, not weakness (vv. 42-43); changed (v. 52); and in victory (v. 54)! How much better could it get?
You mentioned as well fearing the process of dying. None of us knows what the hours or moments before death will hold, but since the Lord has worked in our lives, superintended, orchestrated, guided and led through all the vicissitudes of this world, why would we not trust Him even more as He guides and leads us toward that glorious moment when we see Him face to face and He welcomes us Home? Would that compassion which is “new every morning” and “fails not” (Lam 3:23) wane one iota at such a wondrous hour?
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:37-39).
Answer: We are aware of a poem (from the Gospel Tract Society in Springfield MO) which goes something like this: “To bid farewell to earth and its toils and troubles and pains—afraid of that? To exchange this arthritic, bent body for an incorruptible form—afraid of that? To greet loved ones who’ve gone before and behold their joy—afraid of that? To exchange a tear-stained vale for a land without tears—afraid of that?” Some thoughts to ponder indeed.
Consider this: If we’ve become faithful servants, keeping our eyes fixed not upon death but upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2), we will be less likely to succumb to the one sorrow for a believer at death: no, not even the farewell to loved ones, but the regret that while on earth we could have done more in the Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 15:26 tells us that the last enemy to be conquered is death (v. 26), that we will be raised in incorruption, not corruption; in glory, not dishonor; in power, not weakness (vv. 42-43); changed (v. 52); and in victory (v. 54)! How much better could it get?
You mentioned as well fearing the process of dying. None of us knows what the hours or moments before death will hold, but since the Lord has worked in our lives, superintended, orchestrated, guided and led through all the vicissitudes of this world, why would we not trust Him even more as He guides and leads us toward that glorious moment when we see Him face to face and He welcomes us Home? Would that compassion which is “new every morning” and “fails not” (Lam 3:23) wane one iota at such a wondrous hour?
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:37-39).
CJ.B.A.The simplest answer to the question....when working with terminal patients.....you may have some pain, you may not.....but you will be changed in the twinkling of a eye....do you know how fast that is??...and than I give the description of heaven in the Bible, and that they will see Jesus in person and their loved some just close their eyes, some are in a coma, some are asleep and some in surgical twilight (sleeper for surg.).....some are instantaneousness, some little by little, some delayed.....and all usually have unfinished business....saying goodbye, sometimes something they wanted to do...I would not have missed any of those patients I loved each one for them.....and working with them.....I have learned to tell loved one's and friends......I love you when ever I want.there are two things in life with no dress rehearsals.....birth and death you cannot practice either, except in birth you can be reborn, saved through Jesus..LIVE....one day at a time, it is all that is expected, plan for the worst (stumbling) but expect the best...and let go let God....and trust Him...
B.C. Given the subjective comments about "process of dying" meaning the slow moving time where the obvious is coming, there should be no fear because of the "promises" we have in/by Jesus. Personally I do not fear death or any man... for if God is with me what man can stand against me?! No one wants to die by terrible and horrific circustance, e.g., burning, drowning, falling from a cliff, crashing in an airplane, et al, but for sure when death is imminent and there is no home of reasonable and rational defense, then acceptance of the obvious is releasing one's self into the loving and comforting hands of God. Just as someone mentioned the stoning of Stephen... God will give us peace that surpasses all understanding. It is written and I believe it. Blessings to all and God's peace with you.
M.A.B....I have often pondered how Jesus said, moments before He tasted death, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit..." [Luke 23:46] and then jumped into the Everlasting Arms. I always found that final act of pure faith of the Son in the Father notable. May every one of us who "name the name of Christ" model that faith as well, when the time comes.
"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth." [Psalm 31:5].
"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth." [Psalm 31:5].
S.C."to live is Christ, to die is gain"
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