Living While You Live (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12) DEATH! There I said itthe infamous d word.

Death is one of those subjects we dont like to discuss. Thats why its a subject of so many euphemisms. Instead of using the word dead, we say, passed away, returned home, gone to a better place, sleeping in Jesus, or went to be with the Lord. At least we use those terms around the church and the funeral home. In less guarded moments, we speak of taking a dirt nap, kicking the bucket, buying the farm, cashing in the chips, biting the dust, or the ever-popular croaked. Whether we lean to the reverent right or the flippant left, we shy away from speaking directly of the ultimate enemy.343 It seems that we are hesitant to come to grips with our impending death. We would rather avoid any discussion about it. After all, death is a depressing subject. And who wants to be depressed? Yet, I would argue that we are not prepared to live until we are prepared to die. Solomon tackles the subject of death head-on. Instead of denying death, he discusses its reality and our response. In Eccl 9:1-12, Solomon provides two reminders that will enable us to make the most of our few days on earth.344 1. Death is certain (9:1-6). In this first section, Solomon explains that death is the Great Equalizer. Death plays no favorites and overlooks no one. Regardless of your strength and wealth, you are going to die In 9:2-3, youre going to find out why Solomon is not coming over for dinner. He writes, It is [i.e., death]the same for all. There is one fate349 for the righteous and for the wicked;350 for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate351 for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.Solomon could summarize verses 2-3 with these words: Under the sun, youre done. If he were living today, he would say, Were all going to take a dirt nap. Ultimately, every man who has ever lived or will ever live will die. Solomon was right; the same destiny overtakes us all. You and I can work out, take our vitamins, drink bottled water, stay away from McDonalds, and swear off Krispy Kreme, but even with the best of care for this flesh, it is one day going to give out and we will die. In 9:3, death is labeled the evil, not simply a natural phenomenon.352 Death is an intrusion, its an enemy. This means we shouldnt go to funerals and sing The Lion King song, The Circle of Life. The most ridiculous and pathetic advice you could give someone is: Death is just part of life. No it isnt, it is death! Its the wages of our rebellion and sin against God. Its cosmic treason and it is punished by death.353 We were created by a living God, to be a living people, who live forever with this living God. The only way to get rid of death is to get rid of sin. That is why Jesus died for our sin, so we could live.354 Today, will you believe in Jesus Christ as you Savior from sin? He offers you eternal and abundant life.355 Despite the inequities of life, Solomon argues that life is better than death. In 9:4-6 he explains: For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun. Solomon has pulled no punches in his death-dealing expos. The fact that our days are numbered ought to motivate us to live earnestly for God. In light of the brevity of life, we must live with seriousness, recognizing the importance of a life well invested. Twice a week for the rest of our lives, we ought to begin the day by looking in the mirror and saying, I am going to die somedaymaybe today. What a difference that would make in our lives. The fact that we will die should affect the way we live. 2. Life is uncertain (9:7-12). In this section, Solomon urges us to make the most of our lives because time and chance can overtake us. In 9:7-10, Solomon unveils five imperatives that advocate living life to the fullest (go, eat, drink, enjoy, and do). These five imperatives are located in the central part of this chapter and are recorded there to present the central thrust of the chapter: life is short; death is certain; so live in the most meaningful way that you can.360 Party while you can (9:7-8). In 9:7 Solomon writes, Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. Solomon says, Party on down with family and friends, for life is short and then you die. Throughout the Scriptures, wine and bread are frequently representative of that which God gives us to comfort and cheer us.361 Even today they are symbols of the joy of the Lord and His goodness and blessing. Thus, we are to enjoy Gods good gifts and celebrate life with others. So slow down and enjoy a meal with your family and friends. The reason Solomon gives is that God has already approved your works. This means such enjoyment is Gods will for us. This encouraging word does not contradict the fact that we are the stewards of all God entrusts to us. However, it should help us realize that it is not sinful to take pleasure in what God has given us

even luxuries. We need to balance gratefulness and generosity, retaining some things and giving away others. This balance is not easy, but it is important. Solomon continues in 9:8 by saying, Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head. In the Old Testament, births, weddings, and harvest festivals were special occasions and required one to dress up and be fresh. In Solomons day, black clothes and ashes on the head were a sign of mourning. Conversely, white clothes and oil362 on the head were a sign of rejoicing. Oil on your head is the ancient equivalent of deodorant and perfume and cologne, so do yourself and others a favor and use it. Solomon tells us to dress every day as if were on the way to a celebration of life.363 Some would say, What do I have to rejoice about? I could die any time. Exactly! Thats a great reason to let every waking moment be a celebration of Gods gift of life. Get dressed. Eat out with a friend. Why? Because you can and because God enjoys your enjoyment.364 Therefore, have a blast while you last.365 Enjoy your spouse while you can (9:9). Solomon writes, Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. Solomon had many honeys and many honeymoonsto the demise of his kingdom. He treated himself to hundreds of wives and concubines. Now, at the end of his life, he wishes he had lavished all his love on the wife of his youth. A man who had a thousand women now speaks in the singular rather than the plural. One partner, one heart.366 Husbands, love your wife with every fiber of your being, for this may be your last day on earth. Listen to her, talk with her, spend time with her, make love to her no matter how many times she resists, tell her she is beautiful. Wives, we know this works both ways. Are you easy to enjoy? I will tell you that if you want your husband to enjoy you, be easy to enjoy. If you want your husband to desire your company, make your company pleasant to be around. You might say, This is hard, she needs to show me first or He needs to demonstrate leadership. But guess whatyoure going to die! What are you waiting for? Dont waste your time; enjoy your life. Enjoy it now!Have a blast while you last. Glynn Wolfe died alone in Los Angeles at the age of 88. No one came to claim his body; the city paid to have him buried in an unmarked grave. This is sad, but not unusual. It happens all too often in large cities where people tend to live disenfranchised lives. Glynns situation was unique, however, because he was no ordinary man. He held a world record. The Guinness Book listed him as the Most Married Man, with 29 marriages to his credit. This means 29 times he was asked, Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wifeforsaking all others, do you pledge yourself only to her, so long as you both shall live? Twenty-nine times Glynn Wolf said, I do, but it never quite worked out that way. He left behind several children, grand-children, great grand-children, a number of living ex-wives, and innumerable exin-lawsand still, he died alone. He spent his entire adult life looking for something he apparently never foundand he died alone.367 How different this mans life and death would have been if he invested all his love and energy into one woman. There is an ancient quote from The Talmuda commentary on Jewish lawthat states, A man should eat and drink beneath his means, clothe himself within his means, and honor his wife above his means.368 This summarizes well the last three verses. Solomon concludes in 9:12 with these powerful words: Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil380 time when it suddenly falls on them. Unfortunately, man does not often recognize this truth. We live as if we are the master of our own fate, the captain of our soul. How foolish we are! Rather than the master of our fate, we are more like little fish. We swim along, minding our own business, and suddenly we are snatched up by a netand there is absolutely nothing that we can do about it! Time, chance, and death catch one unexpectedly, like a trap, and there is no escape. When the trap has closed, any opportunity to enjoy life is over. Just stop for a moment and think about it: What will we do if our heart or lungs fails us? What can we do if we contract a fatal disease? What can we do if we lose our job or our business? What will we do if a child dies or if a spouse leaves us? Sooner or later, we will all find out that our present existence and future destiny belong to the Lord alone. So have a blast while you last. You play the board game Monopoly. You buy railroads and place hotels on Park Place and Boardwalk. You pass Go and collect $200. Everyone has fun. Then the game ends, and all the hotels, all the colorful tokens, and all the funny money go back into the box. Solomon, who held an empire much less plastic, would tell us that whether you build in plastic or gold its all the same. Build the temple, extend a dynasty, even write three God-inspired booksin the end, it all goes back in the box.381 Likewise, life is short. You and I are going to die. Stop and ask yourself, What really matters? How do I want to be remembered? What do I want others to say about me? And then make a commitment to have a blast while you last. Scripture References Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

Hebrews 9:27 Proverbs 5:28-29; 18:22 1 Timothy 6:17 Colossians 3:17, 23 Romans 9:16 Job 1:21 What would you do . . . if you found out you had one week to live? Would you do anything differently? DEATH IS. Introduction A. Death, by definition, is a separation. 1. Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the body a. Genesis 2:7 b. Thus when the spirit leaves this body of clay, so does life 2. Spiritual death, which is the second death (Rev. 20:6), is a separation of the soul from God a. Isaiah 59:1-2 b. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 B. Death is lifes greatest mystery, therefore it is only natural for men to fear death. 1. Only the faithful Christian has reason to face death with confidence. 2. Even though a faithful Christian does not know everything about death, he doesnt need to be afraid a. Psalm 23:4 b. God has promised to protect us 1) 2 Chronicles 16:9 2) Psalm 91:4 C. Let us now look to the Scriptures and inform ourselves better concerning death. DISCUSSION A. DEATH IS AN ENDING 1. To the unbeliever it is indeed THE END. a. The unbeliever or one who is unfaithful can see nothing beyond the grave. b. Those who are unprepared for death have a horrible surprise coming 2. Luke 12:20a. The rich man found death to be THE END of his previous lifestyle b. At death it is THE END there will be no chances thats it, no more, its finished! 3. Hebrews 9:27 a. Death comes to all b. Judgment follows death 4. But on the other hand B. DEATH IS A BEGINNING 1. For the unbelieving and unfaithful death is the beginning of eternal damnation. a. Psalm 37:35-38 b. Matthew 25:41-46 2. For the faithful child of God death is the beginning of eternal life a. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 b. John 14:1-3 C. DEATH IS INEVITABLE 1. No one can avoid death a. There are a few exceptions:1) Enoch did not see death (Gen. 5:24) 2) Elijah did not see death (2 Kgs. 2:11) 3) Those that are alive when the Lord returns (1 The. 4:17) b. But for the most part all will see death 2. Death will come to us all, as a whole

a. Job 30:23 b. Ecclesiastes 8:8 c. Hebrews 9:27 3. Even though death is inevitable D. DEATH IS UNCERTAIN 1. Many in past as well as in our present day try to predict the end of the world. a. Men know nothing about the time, or death either. b. Death is not only for the aged but for the young as well c. Cemeteries are full of little boys and little girls who have met an untimely death d. No one knows when death may knock at their door. 2. Isaac said, I know not the day of my death (Gen. 27:2) 3. Death is like the end of time a. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 b. Death also comes as a thief in the night E. DEATH IS A TRANSITION 1. Life holds many changes, but nothing compares to the change from the physical to the spiritual 2. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 a. The wicked will become immortal 1) Will not be burned up, will live forever in a burning fire 2) Will never be consumed by the fires of hell 3) Will suffer eternally b. The righteous will also put on immortality 1) As a result of this, notice what the faithful Christian can say _ 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 2) This will be a marvelous transition for the faithful child of God 3. Revelation 21:4 the physical things will be no more F. DEATH IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER 1. In this life we see many classes of people. a. Divisions are made because of: 1) Race 2) Culture 3) Economic circumstances 4) Social status b. But at death these kinds of divisions will cease 2. Luke 16:25 a. The rich man and Lazarus changed places, so to speak b. There was a turnaround in fortune 3. 1 Timothy 6:7 a. We brought into this world exactly what we will take out nothing b. Job 1:21 c. Ecclesiastes 5:15 G. DEATH IS A CURSE 1. This is true for the majority who have ever lived a. For those who have refused to obey God it would have been better for them never to have been born b. Matthew 7:13-142. 2. Notice the torment that the Bible says will befall those are not faithful children of God a. Psalm 11:6 b. Malachi 4:1 c. Matthew 18:9 d. 2 Peter 2:9 e. Revelation 14:11 H. DEATH IS A BLESSING 1. To the faithful few, death will be a blessing beyond our wildest dreams 2. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

3. Philippians 1:21 CONCLUSION A. Instead of fearing death, we should live every day in such a way that we can say, as John did, even so, come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20). B. Invitation Aim: The aim of this lesson is to answer questions concerning death thereby comforting the faithful Christian and warning the unfaithful and unbelieving of the judgment to come. a. What is Death? James 2:26 b. Why do we have death? Romans 6:23 c. Who is going to die? Hebrews9:27 d. When can we expect death? Psalm 90:9-12 I. What is death? Death is the separation of the body and spirit. 1. PhysicalJames 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 2. SpiritualGenesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 3. BeneficialRomans 6:1-10 4. EternalRevelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. II. Why do we have death?Because we have sinned. 1. Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 2. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 3. 1 Corinthians15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. III. Who is going to die? 1. Hebrews9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 2. Ecclesiastes3:2 A time to be born; a time to die. 3. Psalm89:48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? 4. Ecclesiastes12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. IV. When can we expect death?Anytime. 1. Psalm 90:9-12 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 2. Luke 12:37-40 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 3. James 4:14, 15 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. LIFE & DEATH: REALITIES WE MUST FACE "As for man his days are as the grass: as the flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more." --KING DAVID Billy Graham was asked recently, "What is the most amazing thing you have ever encountered"? He answered, "The brevity of life"! At best, life is brief. The scripture speaks of seventy years as the norm, but what is seventy years, when you have lived them? What is any amount of time, when it is used up?

Think of it - No More Time To Live! And that moment will come to each of us! The Bible says, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a time, and then vanisheth away". (James 4:4) The Bible states, "The days of our years are three score and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four score years, yet is their strength, labour and sorrow. For it is soon cut off and we fly away". (Ps. 90:10) ALL WE REALLY HAVE IS TODAY! We have no guarantees of tomorrow. All we are certain of, is today. Our future is in God's hands! He's the only one Who really knows what tomorrow will bring, for us! The hymnwriter penned the words: "Today is mine, tomorrow may not come I may not see the rising of the sun, But, when evening falls, May my work on earth be done Today is mine. Tomorrow may not come!" What guarantee do any of us have that we will live to be forty, fifty or seventy? Even if we had a guarantee we could live until we were one hundred years of age, what is that in comparison to eternity? Some are taken at an early age, others are allotted more time. For each of us, life is precious! We have much to accomplish. So many friends to visit, places to go and things to see! In more than 30 years of ministry, I have witnessed a lot of deaths. There have been many funerals - for both young and old. And the uppermost thought in my mind has been: "Did he know Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour? Was she ready to meet God"? And at times, I think of my life. "If I were taken today, have I fulfilled my calling? Is there something I have failed to communicate or share? Have I been faithful in warning my fellowman of the certainty of death and the Coming Judgment?" My question is: "What have we, as Christians, done to spread the gospel? To share the love of Jesus Christ to a world lost in sin, degradation, poverty, superstition and fear? How many poor and sickly have we helped to feed, heal and nurture"? What Does The Bible Say About Death Eternity: What Awaits After Death Sermon #1 What Does The Bible Say About Death Hebrews 9:27-28 This morning we are going to consider Eternity: What Does the Bible Say About Death. Youve probably heard the old saying - The only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes. Im not so sure that statement is absolutely true, though. Im guessing that with enough deductions, loopholes, and creative accounting, some people avoid paying most, if not all, of their taxes. So, theres no guarantee there, about taxes. But that still leaves us with death to deal with. People have used and continue to use some unusual methods to attempt to peer past the portal of death, into the afterlife. People who say they have had Near Death Experiences write books to tell what they say eternity will be like. Books like Betty Eadies book Embraced by the Light which tells of her supposed death and her visit to heaven. Unfortunately, the book not in line with the teaching of the Bible and is in fact closer to Mormon theology than it is to the New Testament. That is hardly a trustworthy source. Others attempt to find out about the afterlife by so called psychic research attempts to contact the dead through sances and mediums. The Bible explains these experiences as not truly communication with the dead but rather with devious evil spirits impersonating the dead. Once again I would hardly consider that a trustworthy source. The only sure word concerning life after death is the Word of God. In 1 Thess 4:15 the Apostle Paul says, But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. Now obviously the term fallen asleep is a softened term to refer to those believers who have already died. Paul is concerned that the church at Thessalonica not be misinformed about what happens after death. So perhaps I should begin by dispelling some misconceptions about death. Some folks say that death is the end of existence.

As is evident from the video clip that we began the sermon with, some people think that when you die, you simply cease to exist. But that isnt true according to the Bible. The Bible says in Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (KJV). This implies an existence after death. So death is NOT the end of existence. Yet that this body is a temporary dwelling place is a universal truth, instinctively understood by all until as Ray Stedman says, they are educated beyond their intelligence and they start denying it. He tells of an incident when his children were small, years ago, when one of my daughters crawled into bed with me one morning. I kept my eyes shut and, as children will, she tried to wake me up by poking and punching me and trying to get me to open my eyes. Finally, she crawled up and sat right on my chest and, reaching down, pried open my eyelid. Then she leaned over and said, "Are you in there, Daddy?" *Ray Stedman. Life Beyond Death. www. pbc.org/dp/Stedman/misc/0295.html] Even a child can understand that we are more than this temporary body.The story is told of a preacher who was conducting a funeral and he wanted to say something memorable and profound, but he ended up with a laugh line. Comparing the human body to an external shell, he gestured down at the dearly departed in the casket in the front of the church, Here we have the shell, he said solemnly, but the nut is gone. He didnt mean for it come out quite that way! But there was nothing wrong with his theology. *Greg Laurie. The Best Is Yet To Come. (Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Pub, 2005) p. 112] Some folks say that when a person dies, they are "reincarnated" into something or someone else. If you ever see reincarnation in its rawest form such as in India where Hinduism has a firm hold, you will understand that they see reincarnation as a hopeless cycle of endless misery. Reincarnation as it is presented today has been Americianized that means changed to suit the needs of the American culture. When you hear someone talk about reincarnation in our country, it is always talk about coming back in another human form. It is interesting that it seems that they almost always were some important or famous historical figure in a previous life. But Indians understand reincarnation to be an endless cycle whose only hope is to finally enter into Nirvana the place of nothingness. Now isnt that encouraging. But as we will see from our text today (Heb. 9:27) you get just one run in life and thats it. Some folks think they will get their live together before they die or somehow there is a "second chance" after death. Although it may sound feasible to get our life together before we die wouldnt it be grand if we were given a 30 minute warning buzzer, but unfortunately we are not. Death almost always catches us by surprise. Sometimes death comes when its generally expected after we have lived a long and full life. Butat other times death comes abruptly far too soon in our way of viewing things. And by the same token, the person who says, No" to Jesus in this life, thinking that theyll be given another chance in the life to come, is banking on nothing more than wishful thinking. One day we will die and unless we have accepted Christ as our personal savior we are going to face the judgment of God after we die. The only opportunity we will ever have to get right with God is the opportunity God gives us in this life. There is NO second chance after death. Now that we have dealt with a few of the misconceptions about death, now lets talk about what WILL happen when we die. Lets talk about . . . First, Death Is A Certainty. Medical science has done wonders in extending our lives. New medical procedures bypass clogged arteries, as I personally found out a few years ago. New procedures are available to filter impurities from our blood, to fight cancer cells and to replace worn out joints. Vaccines have nearly eliminated diseases such as polio and other dreaded diseases of the past. But no one has discovered a cure for death. Despite all the advances of that have been made in medical science, it is still true that the death rate remains exactly as it has always been: a flat 100%. Every one will die. Death Is No Respecter Of Persons. Death is no respecter of persons. It marches into the mansions of the rich and squalor of the slums. It doesnt matter how well you feel or how in shape you are. No one escapes the certainty of death. There is a statement that I have made many times in funeral services, We are not given a choice about whether to meet death or even when to meet death, only HOW to meet death. In Hebrews 9:27 we are told, And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. In Eccles 7:2

Solomon wrote, for death is the destiny of every man. (NIV) The question is not how can we remain but what awaits us when we die. Death is Permanent There was an item printed in Newsweek magazine a few years ago. It was a letter from the Greenville County, South Carolina, Department of Social Services. The letter was written to a dead person. It said: "To whom it may concern: Your food stamps will be stopped effective immediately, because we have received notice that you passed away. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances." But the fact is that Death when it come is irreversible. When you cross over, there is no coming back. Not only is death a certainty but Second, Judgment Is A Reality. The word of God tells us that after death each of us will certainly face judgment. Gods word speaks of two vastly different judgments. The first judgment is for believers - Judgment Seat Of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. This judgment does not concern salvation, this judgment is for believers and that has already been settled. This judgment is to determine rewards for service given to the Lord. The second judgment is for Unbelievers - Great White Throne Judgment. (Rev. 20:11-15) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God,[a] and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. (13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. (14) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Obviously no one would wish to be part of that judgment, but all those who have rejected Christ in this life, will face Him as judge in the next life. It will a horror beyond description to stand before Him and hear him say, Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matt 25:41) But on the day it will be too late. The time for decision is past. So the time to make a decision for Christ is now!!! Not only is Judgment real but thank the Lord Third, Salvation Is A Possibility. (v. 28) So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. The death of Christ according to this verse is applied to the many. Underline the word many. You see Christ death doesnt take away the sins of everyone. Not everyone receives the salvation that is available through Christs death on the cross. Not everyone believes and receives, that why eternal salvation is only a possibility. But if have never done so, there is still time. Today can be the day of salvation. Death is not end. Death is but the beginning for those who believe in Christ. What I want to remember throughout this series is the truth that for those who believe in Jesus, the best is yet to come.

Eternity: What Does The Bible Say About Death Hebrews 9:27-28

Misconceptions about death Some believe at death we cease to _________ Some believe at death a person is __________ into something or someone else.

Some believe that after death we will get a ______ chance. First, ________ Is A Certainty. (v. 27a) And as it is appointed for men to die once Death is no __________ of persons. Death is ____________. Second, __________ Is A Reality. (v.27b) but after this the judgment. The first judgment is for ___________ Judgment Seat Of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10) The second judgment is for _____________ Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) Third, _________ Is A Possibility. (v. 28) The Reality Of Life After Death. The Bible teaches that life continues after the physical death of the body. God created man with a natural, temporal body and an eternal soul. The soul of man consists of who we really are. It is the center of our mind, will and emotions. The Bible teaches that life is eternal. 1 John 2:25, 2 Corinthians 5:1 What Will Heaven Be Like? The Bible refers to Heaven as being above the world, in that God looks down upon the earth and that when Jesus left this earth he was received "up into Heaven". Mark 16:19 Heaven will be a place of light, love, holiness, righteousness, worship, service, joy, peace and life eternally because Jesus the Redeemer will be there. The New Jerusalem will be the new capital of the universe and the place where the redeemed gather for worship and service. There will be no darkness, hate, sin, unrighteousness, sorrow, discord or death there. Without these things, it will be heaven indeed. What a wonderful and worthy reward of the God who redeemed us! It Is A Place of No More Thirst, Hunger, Sorrow, Pain or Death Revelation 21:4 Heaven Is A Place Where Nothing Can Be Corrupted Matthew 6:20, Rev. 21:27 It Is A Place Of Pleasures Forevermore Psalm 16:11, 1 Corinthians 2:9 It Will Be A Place Of Worship Revelation 15:4 It Will Be A Place Of Constant Illumination Revelation 21:23. Heaven is clearly described in the Bible as an actual place. It is not a feeling or a state of mind. When people refer to Heaven as being on earth they are partially correct in that we can experience a personal relationship with God while we are still alive. This is experiencing some of what is in store for those who will go to Heaven when they die. What Is Needed To Enter Into The Gates Of Heaven? No one in Heaven will deserve to be there as result of any merit of his own. Because of this fact three will not be anyone boasting that he or she had earned the right to live in Heaven. Choosing Heaven means choosing to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Such a relationship brings a foretaste of Heaven in this life, and an eternity of happiness. You can make your decision today! A 2005 CBS News poll revealed that 78% of Americans believe in life after death.

The most religiously observant Americans are most likely to say there is an afterlife: about nine in 10 of those who attend religious services weekly or almost every week believe in it. This view is shared by seven in 10 of those who rarely or never attend services. Americans of all age groups believe in an afterlife. So do most men and most women. The poll went a step further and asked if science will ever be able to prove there is life after death. Here the response was even more overwhelming. 8% said yes while 87% said no. That leaves us in a fascinating place. *Most people believe in life after death. *Most people believe it will never be proven by science. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this question. If there is no life after death . . . *Death really is the end. *There is no heaven or hell. *There is no reward or punishment. *There is no resurrection of the dead. *There is no purpose to history. And if there is no life after death, then those of us who believe in Jesus have been profoundly deceived . We are, to borrow a phrase from the Apostle Paul, of all men most to be pitied. If there is no life after death, then we have believed a fairy tale, a nice story that has no real meaning. If there is no life after death, why pray? Why believe? Why live for Jesus? Sometimes I hear well-meaning Christians say, Even if its not true, Christianity is still the best way to live. Count me out. If its not true, then I want no part of it. I know some people say that Christ is so wonderful that even without heaven, its good to be a Christian. Listen, if this life is all there is, then what you call Christ is just a figment of your imagination. To borrow some words from Shakespeares Macbeth: If there is no life after death, then those of us who believe in Jesus have been profoundly deceived. Lifes but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. So is there life after death? Thousands of years ago Job raised the same question. If a man dies, will he live again? (Job 14:14). That is the question, isnt it? We all die, but what then? Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Is that all there is? Death rate: 8.12 deaths/1,000 population note: this rate results in about 107 worldwide deaths per minute or 1.8 deaths every second (July 2011 est.) Definition: This entry gives the average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining fertility results in an aging population.