Finding Freedom in Jesus预览

Freedom from fear of death

The most existential fear many people wrestle with is the fear of death. We all know that human life must end and we see other people die. But, nobody can tell us from experience what it’s like to die, or what comes after death. That is frightening.

However, the apostle Paul boldly exclaims: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). He seems not to be afraid of death at all! How can this be?

Paul knows that death is not final for those who believe in Jesus Christ. He conquered death when He rose from the grave three days after being crucified. As He says in Revelation 1:18, “I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

Just as Jesus rose from the dead, so all his children will be raised imperishable and immortal when Jesus returns. Paul is so much looking forward to this, that he even considers death “gain”. He says: “Sometimes I want to leave this life and be with Christ. That would be much better for me” (Philippians 1:23, ERV).

Since Jesus has been raised, Christians need not fear death anymore. It is conquered by the Living One, and all believers will be raised with Him.