Fear VS Hope

What is your greatest fear? For some it is physical death. For others it is the death of their soul or spiritual death. A physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Spiritual death, is the separation of the soul from God. According to the Bible, people who are separated from God are spiritually dead. Sin Separates us all from God.

The Bible points out how sin kills the soul:

For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die. (Ezekiel 18:4 NLT)

The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.(Ezekiel 18:20 NLT)

The wages of sin is death (Romans 6;23)

but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15 NIV)

The Bibles tells us that sin separates us from God and only Jesus can restore that broken relationship. 

If a person is dead set about rejecting the God of the Bible they probably couldn't care less about eternity or at least life after death the way God designed.  According to God, a person is either with Him or separated from Him for all eternity depending on their relationship with His Son Jesus. Followers of Jesus know that physical death is not the end of all things. In fact, it is the beginning of their eternal existence outside their perishable body. They know they will receive a new imperishable body.  

There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. ( 1 Corinthians 15: 40-44)

 Jesus reassures us about eternity:

Jesus says: 

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. (John 5:24)

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. (John 11:25)

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13 NIV)

There is a difference when a believer faces death as opposed to a person who does not have an assurance of eternity according to their god. In Buddhism, philosophy and spiritual enlightenment might be able to save them. In Islam, prayers and good works can determine their eternity. In Hinduism, they might be saved by worshipping other god's. I wouldn't say these religions have an actual guarantee of salvation. Christianity does. 

Biblical Christianity tells us that Jesus is the one whose sacrifice makes salvation possible and if you believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior your salvation is secure and you are bound for heaven. Jesus' work of salvation is based on God's love and Grace, not our own good works. Jesus restores a relationship with God that is broken by our sin.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (john 3:16-17 NIV)

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

One thing that helps us with our fear is assurance. Knowing that Jesus died for sinners and that there is no condemnation for those who believe in Jesus as lord and Savior is a way to help overcome the fear of death.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,(Romans 8:1)

God tells his people through the prophet Isaiah not to fear. He is not telling them they may not have to navigate through difficult life experiences, but He is promising to be present in those burdensome circumstances of life.

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
(Isaiah 43:1-3)

Having Faith and trust in God can help overcome our greatest fear. 

Sometimes the unknown and the worries of  what will happen tomorrow can consume us. But Jesus speaks to that too in a couple of ways that can reassure us of His concern for our well being.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[? (Matthew 6:25-27)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34)

So how can we know what the bible says is true?

There are many prophecies in the bible that have been fulfilled. Jesus fulfilled at least 300 prophecies in His earthly ministry.

Nature reveals the work and Glory of God

The function of everything living animal, plant, Human. gravity, proves there has to be a designer. 

The amount of people whose lives have changed through a relationship with Jesus is astounding!

The Bible tells us how the universe, the stars, the earth, the sun and earth were created.

The Bible tells us why God created us.

The Bible tells us that God loves us and continues the process of saving people from the consequences of sin. 

God has a personal relationship and communicates to His people His truth, wisdom and His love

The Holy Spirit teaches us, guides us, comforts us, and supernaturally changes us in the way God desires.

There were many witnesses to Jesus' resurrection. 

Because of Jesus we can have everlasting life. 

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  (Revelation 21:2-5 NIV)

Challenge:

Ask God to prove He is the one true God. He will!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

Your faith and trust in God will help you have confidence, assurance and hope for your life now and for all eternity. You can know God will be present in your daily life and a force of comfort and peace even in the midst of things you fear the most.