Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

DEALING WITH DEATH AND DYING

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” Philippians 1:22.

The viewpoint of death is vastly different to the dying from those who remain behind. Since the earthly living ones can only see (largely, literally) their viewpoint, it is mostly sad. It is sad because most all are so prone to be selfish. The death of a loved one leaves a large, lonely hole in the psyche of the survivor. That makes him sad. Additionally, it is realized that there is one less person in this world who loves the survivor. That makes him sad. Perhaps a specific death leaves dependents in financial straits to endure hardships. That makes them sad. Of course, nothing could possibly be more sad than the death of one who has not received Christ Jesus as his personal Savior. But what about the other viewpoint: the death of a Christian?

Think for a minute!

Let the tiny cracks revealed in the curtain educate us about this one way, dimensional border. What may one see about it in the pages of Holy Writ? To name a few, there were a multitude of saved, but disobedient folks in the antediluvian world who died in the flood. They were at rest in Paradise and received the good news of Jesus’ victory as He preached to them there. 1 Peter 3:19. Additionally, Jesus promised the repentant thief on the cross that he would be with Him that very day in Paradise. Enoch walked with God, and He allowed him to simply step through the vail into that dimension. Elijah was carried there instantly in a fiery chariot.

Lazarus was carried there immediately by angels upon his death. When Jesus arose, He took Paradise with Him into the presence of the Heavenly Father; the place where all of His dear children are privileged to instantly go upon earthly death. Stephen saw heaven open and Jesus sitting on the right hand of the Father as stones took his earthly life.

To be sure, much misinformation has been disseminated about death, dying, and the environment hereafter by recent so-called near death or “out of body” experiences. Others propagate outright lies such as the non-biblical purgatory nonsense, and that of so-called soul- sleeping.

Of this we may be certain: Jesus went away to prepare a place for us, and because of that He will come again to receive us, either at our death or in the resurrection and rapture. The scant details of living in that eternal dimension brings excitement to every Christian. That is why it should not be taboo, but talked about. That is why one’s moment of death creates the happiest day of one’s life in Christ Jesus!

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