Life and Death

Intro

As the well-known saying goes, “The only two certainties in life are death and taxes.” Death is something that we all face, yet we don’t speak about it very often. The Bible, however, has a lot to say on the topic. According to Scripture, death isn’t something that we need to fear, but is something that we can face with confidence because of the gift of Jesus.

Question: What are some of the different views people have about life beyond death?

Exploring the Scriptures

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 17-20 | What did King Solomon find so troubling about the idea of death?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 | What might it mean that God has “set eternity in the human heart”?

Titus 3:3-7 | How does the “hope of eternal life” change the situation described by Solomon?

John 3:16; Genesis 3:22-24 | There is a popular notion that everyone receives eternal life (but to be lived in different locations – heaven or hell). What do these verses say about this?

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 | When is the gift of immortality given?

What do you think the experience of death will be like (before the resurrection described here)?

Note: There is a clue in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 & 1 Corinthians 15:51.

Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10; Psalm 115:17 | Do these verses agree with the idea that the experience of death is like a sleep?     

John 11:1-7, 11-15, 17-27, 38-43 | The story of Lazarus

The Gift of Jesus

One of the most astounding gifts that God offers us is eternal life! It’s hard to wrap our minds around, but deep down it’s what we long for. In contrast to the experience described by King Solomon, eternal life means we can live with hope, meaning, and purpose. What an amazing God we have, who would experience the horrors of the cross, so that we can experience the joys of eternity. Praise God!

Living It

Discuss: How might the gift of eternal life change how we live today?

Decide: Would you like to say “thank you” to Jesus for his gift of eternal life?