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What Does the Bible Say About Death? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Death?

Introduction

Death is a topic that has captivated human attention for centuries. It is a reality that we must all face at some point in our lives, and it can be a challenging and emotional experience.

As Christians, it is important for us to understand what the Bible teaches about death and how we should respond to it. The Bible offers us hope and comfort in the face of death, and it teaches us how to deal with grief and loss.

In this post, we will explore what the Bible says about death and how it shapes our Christian views on death. We will examine key teachings from the Old and New Testaments, including the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

We will also explore Christian beliefs about eternal life, heaven and hell, and the resurrection of the dead. Finally, we will look at ways that we can deal with death as Christians, including how to grieve and mourn, find comfort and hope in God’s promises, and celebrate the life of the deceased.

As we delve into this topic, may we gain a deeper understanding of what the Bible says about death and how we can find hope and comfort in the face of this reality.

May we learn how to deal with grief and loss in healthy and meaningful ways, and may we honor the lives of those we have lost by living our lives in a way that honors God and brings comfort and hope to others.

death in the Bible

Death in the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains several teachings about death. One of the earliest references to death is found in the book of Genesis, where Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the introduction of death into the world (Genesis 3:19).

From that point on, death became an inevitable part of the human experience. The Old Testament acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, and it is not always seen as a punishment for sin. Here are some key teachings about death in the Old Testament:

  • Death as a natural part of life: In Ecclesiastes 3:2-3, it says, “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.” This passage acknowledges that death is a part of the cycle of life, and it is something that we all must face. The Old Testament views death as a natural part of the human experience rather than as a punishment for sin.
  • Mourning customs in the Old Testament: The Old Testament contains many accounts of mourning customs, such as tearing one’s clothes, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes. These customs were a way for people to express their grief and show respect for the dead. In the book of Job, Job’s friends came to him and “sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13). This passage shows that mourning is a natural response to death and that it is important to express our grief in healthy ways.

Death in the New Testament

In the New Testament, death takes on a new meaning because of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. The New Testament offers hope and comfort in the face of death, and it teaches that death is not the end for believers. Here are some key teachings about death in the New Testament:

  • Jesus’ teachings on death: In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” This passage teaches that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life, even though they may die physically. Jesus’ promise of eternal life gives believers hope and comfort in the face of death.
  • The resurrection of Jesus and its significance: In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, it says, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” This passage teaches that through Jesus’ resurrection, we can have hope for our own resurrection and eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus is a central tenet of the Christian faith, and it offers believers hope and assurance in the face of death.
  • The Apostle Paul’s teachings on death: In Philippians 1:21-23, Paul says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain…having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” This passage teaches that death is not something to be feared but rather something that can be embraced as a way to be with Christ. For Paul, death was not the end but a doorway to a new and better life with Christ.

Christian Views on Death

As Christians, our views on death are shaped by the Bible’s teachings. Christians believe that death is not the end of life but rather a transition to a new and better life. Here are some key beliefs that Christians hold about death:

  • Eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ: In John 3:16, it says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This passage teaches that we can have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that the hope of eternal life is a powerful motivation to live a righteous life, and it gives believers comfort and hope in the face of death.
  • Heaven and hell: In Matthew 25:46, Jesus teaches about the final judgment, saying that the righteous will inherit eternal life in heaven, while the wicked will be punished with eternal torment in hell. Christians believe that the hope of heaven is a powerful motivation to live a righteous life, while the fear of hell serves as a warning to avoid sin. The Bible teaches that our actions in this life have eternal consequences, and it is important to live in a way that is pleasing to God.
  • Resurrection of the dead: In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, it says, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Christians believe in the resurrection of the dead, when those who have died will be raised to new life in their glorified bodies. This belief gives believers hope and comfort in the face of death, knowing that death is not the end, but rather a doorway to a new and better life.

Dealing with Death

Dealing with death can be difficult, but as Christians, we have hope and comfort in the promises of God. Here are some ways that we can deal with death:

  • Grief and mourning: It is natural to grieve and mourn when someone we love dies. The Bible acknowledges this grief, and even Jesus wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35). It is important to allow ourselves and others to grieve in their own way. The Bible teaches us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and to comfort one another in times of grief.
  • Comfort and hope in God’s promises: The Bible offers comfort and hope in the promises of God. In Psalm 23:4, it says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” This passage reminds us that God is with us even in the darkest of times and that we can find comfort and hope in His promises.
  • Celebrating the life of the deceased: When someone we love dies, it is important to celebrate their life and the impact that they had on others. We can honor their memory by sharing stories, creating memorials, and living out the values that they embody. Celebrating the life of the deceased can help us find closure and healing, and it can help us remember the good times we shared with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible teaches us that death is a natural part of life, but it also offers hope and comfort in the promises of God.

As Christians, we can have confidence in the eternal life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and we can find comfort in the knowledge that our loved ones who have died are with Him.

When we face the reality of death, we can grieve and mourn, but we can also celebrate the lives of those we have lost and look forward to the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

We can find comfort and hope in the promises of God, who promises to be with us in times of trouble and to give us strength to face the challenges of life.

In dealing with death, it is important to remember that we are not alone. As Christians, we are part of a community of believers who can offer support and comfort in times of grief.

We can draw strength from the promises of God and find hope in the knowledge that death is not the end but rather a transition to a new and better life. May we find comfort and hope in the promises of God, and may we live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings comfort and hope to others.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.