FEAR OR FAITH?

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Jesus Christ…has abolished
death and brought life and
immortality to light through
the gospel. -2 Timothy 1:10

You may have never heard the name of Sir Isaiah Berlin. When he
died in 1997, Arthur Schlesinger eulogized him in Newsweek as "very
likely the most sparkling man of the 20th century." Born in
Latvia, Berlin eventually became an Oxford professor and was noted for
his extraordinary academic achievements. He was admired by people from
every level of society.

Ironically, in that same issue of Newsweek Sir Isaiah was quoted as
saying, "I’m afraid of dying, for it could be painful. But I find
death a nuisance. I object to it…I’m terribly curious. I’d like to
live forever."

In candidly expressing his feelings about death, that famous thinker
admitted he was no different from ordinary people. All his learning
could not free him from our common abhorrence. Like all of us, he was
held in bondage by the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15).

Simple faith in Jesus Christ can do for us what great learning
cannot. When we believe in Him and His death- conquering resurrection,
the dread of death vanishes. We can be certain about heaven because our
Savior guarantees us eternal life (Jn. 11:25-26). Because He lives we
who trust in Him will live forever in the joy and glory of His
fellowship! (Jn. 14:19). Vernon C. Grounds

So when my latest breath
Shall rend the veil in twain,
By
death I shall escape from death
And life eternal gain. -Montgomery

ONLY THE FEAR OF GOD
CAN REMOVE THE FEAR OF DEATH.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class, Grand
Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.