Death—a Defeated Enemy

To those without Christ, death is a scary reality.

To those without Christ, death is a scary reality. We all know it’s coming; we just hope it’s a long way off. And what happens when we die? Many people believe nothing happens: we just die and that’s it. Others have a concept of heaven and hell but no real knowledge of how one reaches heaven. They just hope they’re good enough. But Christians have answers and hope!

Death is the penalty for sin. Romans 6:23 tells us “for the wages of sin is death,” and Romans 5:12 reminds us why death and sin are part of creation: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” We all die because of our sin in Adam and our continued sin.

But Jesus Christ, the God-man, stepped into history to die in our place. He took the death penalty that we deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21)! And now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). While we still die physically, we will live for eternity with Christ (John 3:16). And that’s why Paul can say, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55).

Halloween is a great reminder—and a great time to share!—of the hope we have in Christ, a living hope that will neither spoil nor fade.

We have no reason to fear death, a defeated enemy that will someday be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26) along with mourning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4). Halloween is a great reminder—and a great time to share!—of the hope we have in Christ, a living hope that will neither spoil nor fade (1 Peter 1:3–4).

By the way, those who believe in evolution believe that death has always been a part of life. As the late Carl Sagan stated, “The secrets of evolution are time and death.” They believe death has always been here and that death over millions of years is part of the mechanism for the evolution of living things—and then, according to many, when you die, death is the end!

Watch this short video where I ask Bill Nye about death and see the hopelessness of those without Christ:

Now share the wonderful, saving message of the gospel with someone today so that they can experience the new and eternal life that Christ brings!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.