Far Better

Sometimes in life, our faith is challenged beyond our expectations. Tragedies happen and our hearts and minds can’t make sense of them. We want a reason. We want to understand.

This past weekend, our community experienced a tragedy which resulted in the death of a young man. But this was not just any young man. He was a loving husband, son, father, and friend. Most important of all, he was a vibrant believer and trusted in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of his sins and he lived a life that gave evidence of this belief. My son was his good friend and the two of them spent many hours discussing the things of the Lord. He will be so greatly missed by all who knew him.

When something like this occurs, we naturally ask why? Our faith is tested. Do we believe what we have always said we believe? Or don’t we? We have to face these questions, either way, whether we choose to walk in faith or we choose to walk in doubt. Which will we choose? If we choose to walk in faith, then we turn to our Bibles for strength and for comfort.

I have just finished studying the book of Philippians and the passage at the end of chapter one has taken on deeper meaning this past weekend–

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better (Philippians 1:21-23)

Paul tells us that to be with Christ is far better. We read these verses. We may even memorize them. But when death comes, we reflect upon them in a whole new manner. We can have confidence that, if a believer passes away, what they are experiencing is far better than anything they experienced on this earth. And, while this doesn’t take away the overwhelming grief and pain of death, it does bring a measure of comfort.

What about those who don’t know Jesus Christ as their Savior? Those who have lived only for self, never becoming a new creation in Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:17) What they experience after death will not be far better. And, in fact, it will be far worse.

Oh, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior today, I pray you would turn to him before it’s too late. Death can come at any moment, calling our name. We dare not put off getting right with God. And the only way to do that is through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Himself said–

 …I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

And Paul reminds us that there is nothing any of us can do to be saved–

 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We can do nothing–nothing at all–to merit salvation. Our righteous works are as filthy rags in God’s eyes (Isaiah 64:6). Only through Jesus Christ can we stand right before God. Jesus is the only way.

And, if we have truly put our faith and trust in Christ alone, then we are no longer spiritually dead but we have been made alive. We have passed from death to life. Jesus says this in John 5:24–

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

And because we are spiritually alive through Christ, we can be confident that we, too, will experience something far better when God calls us home to heaven.

Do you know Jesus? Without Him, you are dead in your sins and your future is hopeless and bleak. But Jesus Christ died for you and rose again, victorious over death! With Him, forgiveness and life is offered to you! Oh, won’t you turn to Him today?

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While we can be confident that this young man is with the Lord, it is accompanied by such deep grief. May I ask you to pray specifically for his family, as the Lord lays them on your heart? We feel so helpless in these situations, and yet prayer is the best thing we can do. It is such an incredible privilege that all who know Christ are able to approach God’s throne with confidence and we are invited to do so in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).