Very often in the newspaper death notices, we read that So and So 'died peacefully.' Such is always a relief to relatives, but may not reflect the true situation at all. There are people who claim that is is our right and that of our relatives to ensure that we and they have a 'peaceful death.' Drugs are so advanced today that they can keep a terminally ill person pain-free and alert as the end draws to a close. One 77 year old lady said she would want to die at hone, free from pain and mentally alert, so that she could have one more look around her light-filled home and see her tenderly-cared-for garden. She wanted to end her life and pass on into drug-inspired oblivion.
But that sounds good, does it not? We would all like to die free from pain and mentally alert, would we not? But that is to rule God out of the equation altogether. It is also to rule out any activity by the Holy Spirit, neither of which we can control. It leaves out of the picture any notion of a conscience being awakened and becoming active, and the fact that feelings of guilt can overwhelm the dying. This viewpoint has no place for the Spirit's work in conviction of sin, the awareness that soon you are gong to face God at His judgement Throne, and see the Christ and Saviour Whom you have despised and rejected all your life.
Drugs can hide from the view of concerned relatives what is really going on in the soul, thus giving the wrong impression that death is lovely - it isn't; Paul describes it as the "last enemy" that is to be destroyed. And it is an enemy, a foul, fierce, persistent and ugly enemy that is awaiting each one of us to breathe our last breath. While we, and the medical professionals, will see peace and tranquility in our departing loved-one, what we and they do not see is the lost important part - what is really going on in the soul.
A peaceful death is what most people want, but, like the Negro spiritual song, "Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die." Everybody wants a peaceful death, not very few want a saving relationship with the prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of the world. They want a peaceful death while holding on to their sons and guilt. They want to die in peace while rejecting the only Saviour there is. And they have deceived themselves (perhaps they have even been deceived by the church!) that they can have the blessings of Christianity without personally possessing Christ Himself and His great salvation!
Death is not lovely! It is ugly; it is an intrusion into God's world; it is the enemy. It is out to destroy you. It is the last thing that you and I will do in this world. It is the doorway into eternity, that mysterious and everlasting existence where we will never die! In fact, in hell, we will want to die, but will not be able to die. Imagine dying, but not be able to die! What a horrendous thought! Dying, dying, dying. And all those who have died without Christ and His Gospel may have died so far as we and this world are concerned; but believe Jesus, they have not finally died yet! They are desiring to die, but they cannot.
Why is this? Let me give you one reason. Death means 'separation,' not 'termination.' Death separates from loved-ones and form this life and world; but it does not terminate. That's why lost sinners go on dying but are unable to finally die. Dying for eternity!
Yes, medical science can palliate symptoms associated with pain and dying; but they deal with the reason why the dying are terrified at the thought of meeting the holy and righteous Judge of all the earth. Nether priests nor church can do anything for you then. So forget about both of these. But gospel minister or a true Christian can do something - they can bring to the Christian the comfort of Christ's death for the sin of the world to them. The comfort at death is found only in the everlasting Gospel. Drugs can alleviate the physical symptoms, but only Christ and His Gospel can give real peace.
Have you got that peace? Do you know that peace? Have you come to, and received, Christ alone as your Saviour and Lord? He is the only One Who can give you something to look forward to when you come to die. By His death, He has removed forever the cause of guilt and condemnation and a fearful judgement. Only He has taken your place on the Cross, and taken your punishment; only He was removed God's wrath and intense anger from you. Come to Hm just now, confessing your sins, and trusting in Christ alone for your eternal salvation.
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