A Time to Live, A Time to Die

A time to live, a time to die. Can death be peaceful? I believe that it can. Is there a fear of death? Yes, there is.

---

When we watch a birth, we consider the event as being a miracle. When we observe a death, could that also be a miracle taking place? Are the first breath and the last opposite ends of the same event? What is the fear related to death? I believe that it is the uncertainty of an unknown. If we can gain a confidence in the certainty of a known, will the fear disappear? I believe that the answer is, yes. As we gain a confidence in the eternal life that follows the earthly life, the level of fear diminishes. At a birth, the body is delivered from the womb. At a death, the soul is delivered from the body. The physical life of the body is a phase we pass through. It is not the goal or the “end”. Death is the end of body-life. Death is not the end of soul-life. If we are in a realm of transition, in this life, what are we transitioning to? What is the goal? What is the “end”? Both have the same answer – eternal life. This life on Earth is a period of passing through. Our attention should be focused on the next life – eternal life – the goal and the “end”. The “end” will ultimately become the beginning of forever. The question evolves into where will the final life, that never ends, take place? The answer lies in the temporary life…the testing ground. The observance of a death of a body and the departing of a soul is a very spiritual occurrence. There is a feeling of the hand of God at work. You witness a permanent event, an instantaneous transition, the ultimate salvation of a soul. A death has to be one of the most intimate occasions you can witness. It has equal ranking with witnessing a human birth. You have the honor of being present to the working of a miracle. Things will never be the same, again. To a Christian, death has no sting. The approach of death should not be the rise of fear. A Christ centered mindset and life delivers us from the realm of fear and torment. Death is not a state necessitating a state of panic. Death is not the end of the final chapter. It is the opening of the doorway to eternity. That is not to be feared. Across the threshold are wide open arms. Above the arms are love filled eyes. Around the Light are celebrating angels. No more darkness. No more pain. No more loneliness. No more fear. Eternal Light from the Unending Love in Ever-present Glory. Why should I be afraid? A time to live…forever; A time, without time, to never die. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Ecc. 3:1-4