Before Death Comes Knocking at the Door

We continue to live in an age in which many people in this world are being irresponsible with their lives and held unaccountable for their conduct, whether they are politicians, business owners, employees, the common man, or church members. Let us turn to the word of God for a few brief moments and learn about what it reveals about death and what we can do to prepare for it.

As we study this issue, we must neither forget nor ignore, that we, too, can fall into the trap of living irresponsibly and not accepting the blame for when we do wrong. In addition, we must not say we have not committed a sin when we have done so. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," (I John 1:18)

We must also understand and realize that no person can ever live a life without making a mistake or committing error like Christ did while He lived and walked among us centuries ago. Paul says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23). He left us an example to follow, to strive to live in such a way that mirrors His own. It is not a life of perfection as He lived, but one of holiness of the highest degree. John writes, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:21-24).

When we do stray from the teachings of the word of God and commit any type of error, we must repent of our sins and live in such a way that is pleasing to God if we truly want to go to Heaven after this life is over. Jesus said, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," (Luke 13:3).

It is impossible to inherit eternal life by God's grace alone. God's grace was shown to us when Christ, His "only begotten Son," (John 3:16) was beaten, nailed to that cross, his side was pierced and blood and water flowed from his body and down the cross, died and, three days later on the first day of the week, He arose from the grave. This made it possible for everyone to be saved from his or her sins, regardless of how deeply troubled our lives may become. This is God's way of reaching out to us. He has provided us the only way of salvation, which is through Jesus Christ. He has done His part and He wants us to do ours by reaching out to Him and obey His instructions on how to be saved. In other words, we must open our hearts to receive the message from His word, believe that His word is true, repent of our sins, confess that Jesus is the Son of God sent to save the world, and be baptized for the remission of our sins.

At the end of this life, there is no turning back to undo the sin we have committed while on this earth. Each day God gives us is an opportunity, a second chance, to live right and repent of every wrong that we have done against Him and our fellow man. Realizing this, we must live each day as if it were our last and prepare our lives so that we will not be afraid when death is knocking at our door. Furthermore, we will also be able, with the fullest confidence say what Paul said when he was nearing the end of his life, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing," (2 Timothy 4:6-8).