Fear Not!
“Most people, even Christians, live in a state of semi-denial about death. We hesitate to say to a dearly loved relative or friend “died.”We prefer to say she” passed away” or “she went to be with the Lord.”Even unbelievers who assume that everyone ends up in heaven are known to say something such as “he’s gone to a better place.”
Jerry Bridges
I finished the book Fear Not ! Death and the Afterlife from a Christian perspective by Ligon Duncan with the help of J. Nicholas Reid and foreword by Jerry Bridges. God’s Word, the Bible, tells us everything we need to know for our instruction and comfort the authors lay a solid foundation and give healthy tools for these delicate and difficult times as we personally face death and dying or come along side those who are.
Here are the five chapters under the following headings:
1. What is Death? - In this chapter, the authors discuss our hesitancy to be clear and honest about the reality of death. Although mankind feels comforted to live in a state of denial regarding death we must lay the solid Biblical foundation of understanding that recognizes what death really is – a separation from God. Also, it is important to know that our heavenly Father understands things about death that even we cannot conceive. Therefore, we should learn from Jonathan Edwards who once said…
“Resolved, to think much, on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.”
2. What happens after Death? - In this chapter the Westminster Shorter Catechism 37 is unpacked which states, “The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves until the resurrection.” The contrast between what happens to a believer and an unbeliever at death is discussed.
“There will be no one in hell who wants to be in heaven; they will all want to be out of hell, but none will truly desire to be in heaven.”
3. What happens when Christ Returns? – In this chapter the significance and power of the resurrection is laid as the foundation to our hope. Because of the resurrection the believer will be raised and changed to glory; acknowledged by Christ on that Day of Judgment; acquitted by Christ openly for all to see; and will be completely happy for all eternity. William Guthrie, a great Scottish pastor, once said of Christ and the believer’s sight of Him…
“Less would not satisfy, but more could not be desired.”
4. The Final Judgment – This chapter identifies the players at the Judgment (God, Christ, Believers, Unbelievers, Satan, Angels) as well as the events: A separation, a sentencing, a public revelation, an explanation for the sentencing, an execution of the sentence and a vindication for God Himself, for Christ and for all of God’s people through the ages. Matthew Henry stated…
“He shall come not only in the glory of His father, but in his own glory, as mediator: his first coming was under a black cloud of obscurity;his second will be in a bright cloud of glory.”
5. What is Heaven? What’s it like? Where is it? Who will be there. There are so many views of heaven and hell that are foreign to Scripture and we must strive to have our heads in the Biblical clouds and have our footing on the solid foundation of His Word. As David Brainerd said….
“It is impossible for any creature to be happy without acting all for God. God himself could not make him happy any other way. I long to be in heaven, praising and glorifying God with the holy angels. All my desire is to glorify God. My heart goes to the burying place; it seems to me a desirable place. But oh, to glorify God! That is it; that is above all.”
