ArcaMax

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

The question Job asked thousands of years ago still echoes across the centuries: "If someone dies, will they live again?" (Job 14:14). Death is our ultimate reality; as someone has said, the rate of death is 100 percent in every generation. But is death the end -- or is it merely the gateway to unending life?

In response to Job's question the Bible boldly answers, "Yes, we will live again!" We don't have to wander in a fog of speculation or false hope, nor do we need to give in to despair or hopelessness or doubt. The reason? The reason is Jesus Christ, who by His death and resurrection proved beyond all doubt that there is life beyond the grave. Now we have "a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). This is what we celebrate at Easter.

The Bible speaks of death as a "departure". The Apostle Paul, sensing his own approaching death, declared, "The time for my departure is near" (2 Timothy 4:6). The word "departure" in Paul's time literally meant "to pull up anchor and set sail." Just as a ship would be loaded with provisions and the voyage carefully mapped out before its departure, so our time on the Earth should be spent carefully preparing for our journey into eternity.

But we do not take that journey alone -- not if we have put our faith and trust in Christ! Because He died and rose again, we know that death has been defeated, and ahead of us is a glorious eternity with God in Heaven. Is your faith and hope in Jesus Christ? His words are true: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.