Three Deaths

“I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

On Monday, we attended Bill’s funeral, a man who experienced many difficulties in life. The speakers at the funeral expressed concern that Bill had made certain “mistakes”, but they also thought that he was in general a “good man” and a “nice guy.” One of them recalled a lot of parties Bill had attended with other people, several of whom were at the funeral. Everybody agreed Bill had been a lot of fun. Words like “Big Bear” and the “Race Track” brought smiles to their faces.

On Friday, we were at the funeral of Carlos, who had also experienced difficulties, not unlike Bill. The attendees viewed Carlos as a “good man” and a “nice guy” also, but with a difference. The mention of a “fun party” was absent, because another, more compelling factor had been introduced into Carlos’ life, that superseded the parties and added a whole new dimension to the man.

Carlos had received Jesus, the Son of God, as his personal Savior and Lord. He had been going down the road to destruction, but when the rope of salvation was tossed to him, he grabbed it and was pulled to safety.

Both Carlos and Bill went down a similar trail. They were like so many who enjoy a “party” and use certain substances to have a “good time.” The substances initially are tools people use, however, in time the “tools” became Masters that rule those who touch them. But Jesus died to set us free and Carlos became safe in Him.

Carlos’ funeral was actually a victory celebration, for our brother in Christ has gone to be with the Lord. Yes, we feel sadness at the “loss” of Carlos, because we miss him. But he is with Jesus Christ, and our loss is only for a time.

At the funeral of Carlos, I thought of Bill and his death just a short time before. I never met Bill in this life attending his service because of Genevieve, my wife, who remembered him. The minister presiding at the funeral spoke of meeting Bill a year before, when Bill was searching, but neither he nor the minister seemed to know what was needed. He got Bill’s name wrong when he spoke of him, and didn’t seem to understand his need any more than he knew his name.

Carlos’ pastor knew him very well. They had become very good friends, sharing as they did in the resurrection life of Jesus Christ, who died for us all. “All” includes Bill, who apparently missed out on what was done for him, and that brings us to the “Three Deaths” of this message.

There was another death, two thousand years ago, that made all the difference for Bill and Carlos. Jesus, who did not need to die – ever; died for Carlos, Bill, you and me. Outwardly Bill and Carlos had similarities, but they made a choice - the one chose to continue to have a “good time”, but the other found salvation through our Lord.

The grave is not the end for any of us. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and… He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He died for our sins, which is to say, He died in our place. He was the Substitute who did what no man or woman can do – He lived a sinless life, a life that satisfied utterly the holiness of God. Rising again publicly as He did, we are shown that death is merely a doorway to another place. By trusting in Him, we receive the victory that He has won.

“Christ is risen from the dead and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen ‘asleep’. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). The bodies of Bill, Carlos, and the Lord Jesus Christ, all went to the grave, but physical death is not the end. Carlos and Bill have gone through a door.

Many will see Jesus but not remain with Him, for those who do not want Him in this life will get their way in eternity. John the Apostle was shown what is to come and wrote about it: “I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:12). And then: “Anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

What ARE the “works” we must do, in order to be right with God? You might conclude from those words that somehow we are measured by our outward acts, and in a way, that’s true, for if the heart is not right, the actions will not be right, either. But the true “work” that pleases God, is not the one the world expects.

Myer Pearlman used the illustration of the “traveler (who) learns he is on the wrong train, and becomes annoyed, even fearful. He is disturbed at his discovery..” but then “he leaves the train and boards the right one.”

The whole world is going in the wrong direction and to be rescued from destruction, we must turn to Jesus Christ. He said, “THIS is the work of God, that you BELIEVE in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29). If you want to do a work that will please God – BELIEVE in His Son.

Bill apparently did not receive God’s gift. Carlos, like Bill, made mistakes, but at a critical moment, believed in the Son and accepted Him. Carlos trusted in the Lord, and will be with Him for all eternity. This life is but a moment and death is merely a door. To die in Christ is to live forever, but to pass through that door alone is to enter the everlasting “lake of fire.” Just like Bill and Carlos, it’s your choice.

Jesus, I’m sorry that I have rejected You. I repent of my sins and I receive You now. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org
Ron@fridaystudy.org
 

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