When It Comes Time to Die

“Jesus continued, ‘You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.’” (John 8:23-24 NLT)

It may not be a common practice today, but when my kids were small, and I was “financially challenged,” especially around birthdays or Christmas, I would use the option some stores offered, to lay things away. That essentially meant I didn’t have to pay all at once, I could pay a little at a time and I wouldn’t be charged any interest or penalties.

In Hebrews 9:27-28 it says: “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again , not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him.” The word translated “destined” means: “to be laid away, reserved.”

Most people don’t realize or care to think about the fact that they have a reservation with God. He is awaiting their arrival at death’s door. It’s inescapable, but He has arranged for us to have a “layaway plan.” His name is Jesus and He will hold our lives in His care until the day He will personally deliver us to His Father in heaven – without any penalty!

How can that be? How is it possible to avoid judgment? Actually, it’s not. Our sin debt demanded payment in full, a debt we couldn’t possibly have paid, but Jesus designed a “layaway plan” whereby He would lay down His sinless life in our place. Then when we admitted our inability to pay our own sin debt and believed that what He did on the Cross was for us, we could be forgiven our debt and set free of its eternal consequences.

“But that’s too good to be true!” some will no doubt think. And I would have to agree, it absolutely is! But the fact is, it is 100% true. How do I know? Because the One who made it possible is 100% reliable. He has never, ever lied. In fact, He’s God in human flesh, so, it’s impossible for Him to lie.

So, that leaves only one thing of which we need to be certain: have we settled our sin “account” with Jesus? “How do I do that?” In much the same way as I would lay away toys or clothes for my kids, you must open an account. For literal purchases here on earth we need money. Money is the currency of earth, but in heaven you don’t need money, you need faith.

Faith is the currency of heaven, so, by faith you go to the Lord Jesus and say: “Lord Jesus I have sinned against You. I’ve incurred a sin-debt that I could never in eternity ever pay. So, I’m putting my faith, my trust, in You, Lord Jesus, and I believe what You did on the Cross You did for me. I confess my sin and am asking You to forgive me, cleanse me of my sin, and fill me with Yourself that I may walk in obedience to Your directives for my life. I trust Your Holy Spirit to guide and guard me as I learn to walk faithfully with and for You. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer, for forgiving me and giving me new life in You.”

Missionary and martyr Jim Elliot wrote: “When the time comes to die, make sure that all you have to do is die!” Honestly, I can’t pretend to know all he meant by that, but of this one thing I’m certain. Whatever baggage we’re carrying will be left behind when we die. Just make certain you’re not leaving someone else in charge of the apologies that need to be made, the debts that need to be paid, monetarily and otherwise. As it relies on you, clear your heart and mind of everything that needs to be said and done on earth before you close your eyes in death.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊