I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.
Pastor Shawn Robinson, Clayton Community Church
Recently I asked some people what their greatest fear in life was. With the exception of one small boy who answered “playing Barbies with my sister,” the overwhelming consensus was…death! Why do you suppose that is? My guess is because many people are unsure what happens when they die. It sounds like a rather painful experience with an abrupt and final end.
So what does happen when you die? Is that it? Game over? Do you just cease to exist?
Christians believe that death is not the end and that those who have placed their faith in Christ will rise to live with him in his glorious heaven. This is not a fanciful dream, but a truth based on one very simple fact. Jesus overcame death through his resurrection, showing that nothing could hold him down. He is God in the flesh and he has authority over death. Those who place their trust in him will also overcome death. This scripture tells us “a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and… those who have done good will rise to live”
Sadly, this passage also tells us that those who have done evil will rise as well, but their lot in life is to be condemned. So that’s it? A flip of the coin and my destiny is decided? Is there anything else I can do? The answer is a resounding yes! Jesus says whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned.
This is the heart of Easter. Jesus has shown his authority through his resurrection and now offers eternal life to those who hear and believe in him!
Lord, I ask you to come into my life that I might know you and have life in your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
It’s already week four on the Invitation and Challenge. Maybe it’s time we step it up? What do you say?
