10.25.09 Its Safe To Die

It’s Safe to Die

zarahlim10/25/2009

I AM Series: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”

IT’S SAFE TO DIE John 11:25

Many people are so afraid of dying. Just the thought of death makes them change the subject all too quickly, for fear of “inviting” it to do its work within their own circles. And who could blame them? Death is always pictured out as a dark realm of the unknown, where you enter and never come back. And because no one comes back, no one knows what’s going to happen when you get there. Just like the African Impala, who, even if it can normally jump up to 10 ft. high, wouldn’t jump over a 4 ft. fence because it can’t see where it will land. People are so afraid to die because they fear the unknown. But let me tell you something: You cannot enjoy life if you are always dreading your final moments. The bad news is there’s no getting out of it. EVERYONE has to face death. Hebrews 9:27 says, “Just as man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment.” We can trace this verse in Genesis where it all began. When Adam and Eve failed to obey God they were banished out of Eden, but not before God said this, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. (3:19)”Romans 3:23 quells the notion that being a sinner is for the elite group – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And it goes on to let us know what the punishment is – “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a). So you see, death is a result of sin. And because everyone sinned, then all of us deserves to die for it. Man has always tried to atone for their sins by offering sacrifices, but it was never enough. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people had committed in ignorance. 9This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 7

(Hebrews 9:7, 9) Is all this talk of death and dying depressing you? Scaring you? Making you want to get out of your chair and walk out of the room? Are you ready for some good news? Then here it is: IT’S SAFE TO DIE!

(1) IT’S SAFE TO DIE because Christ made Himself a sacrifice for us. Man always tried to atone for their sins by offering sacrifices but it was never enough until Christ came and took the punishment for us, once for all. When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, 11

It’s Safe to Die

zarahlim10/25/2009

who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God. 15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 22

For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Heb.9:11-15, 22, 24-26) 24

Because of His sacrifice, we can have an eternal inheritance.

(2) IT’S SAFE TO DIE because Christ cleared the way for us. Allow me to go back to what I said earlier: Death is always pictured out as a dark realm of the unknown, where you enter and never come back. And because no one comes back, no one knows what’s going to happen when you get there. Instead of that depressing image, I want you to picture this: What if someone you love did come back from the dead and told us what to expect? What if that someone, whom you love and trust, who just came back from a trip to the “other side,” returned and told us that there’s nothing to be afraid of? Would you still fear death? Would you believe that person? Of course you would! He just came back safely from it, didn’t he? Friends, I am telling you this morning: IT’S SAFE TO DIE! Someone did come back from the dead and that Someone is Jesus Christ. And He is telling us, even now, that death is not to be feared. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies (John 11:25). In another translation it says, “I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, will live again.” And who can forget this well-known and well-loved verse, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The keyword: BELIEVE The key: Believe IN JESUS Friends, IT IS SAFE TO DIE WHEN YOU BELIEVE IN CHRIST.

It’s Safe to Die

zarahlim10/25/2009

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Believe that only by His blood can your sins be washed away.

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Believe that only by His blood can your sins be forgiven.

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Believe that only by believing in His work on the cross can you have eternal life.

(1) IT’S SAFE TO DIE because Christ is preparing our rooms for us. Illustration: When you’re going on a trip, you make provisions for your lodging. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 1

(John 14:1-2) “Jesus not only promises us an afterlife, but also a better afterlife!” – (Max Lucado, Fear Less: Dying Well) Think of death as just another part of your life’s journey. It is not the end of your life. Rather, it is the beginning of a better life. Aren’t we aliens in this earth and citizens of heaven?

(2) IT’S SAFE TO DIE because Christ is waiting for us. Think of death as the door to your new life, where Jesus Himself is waiting to reach out his hands to get you. “I will come back and take you to be with me...” (John 14:3b) He will lead you across the river. Know that your final moment will be followed by your first glimpse of Him there. - Max Lucado (Fear Less: Dying Well) Even 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. (Psalm 23:4) 4

HOW DO I KNOW ALL THIS IS TRUE?

(1) Because Christ rose from the dead! ○

He defeated death.

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The Life-giver is alive today!

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There were hundreds of witnesses who saw Jesus alive after he died.

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That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Cor. 15:4-8, esp.v.6) 4

It’s Safe to Die

zarahlim10/25/2009

(1) Because Christ did, his followers will too! But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. 22Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. 23But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns. 24Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) 20 21

QUESTION / CHALLENGE: ?

Are you sure where you’re going when you die? Only Jesus Christ’s followers are assured of a good afterlife. Are you one of them? If you want to be sure of where you’re going when you die, if you want to believe in Christ, then pray this prayer: Dear Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I ask for your forgiveness for all of my sins. I thank you that you took it upon yourself to pay the price for my sins. I thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Lord Jesus, I believe in you. I invite you today to be the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you that from now on, I don’t have to fear death or dying, because you promised me a place with you when I get there. Amen.

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What about your family? What about your friends? The offer of eternal life, of a better afterlife, stands for anyone who believes in Christ. Make sure your family and friends knows that death is not something to be afraid of. Let them know that IT IS SAFE TO DIE ONLY WHEN WE HAVE CHRIST IN OUR HEARTS.