Editor, Times-Union: A July 13th Times Union article explained that a new hospice program - “Bob’s Death Café” – is in the planning stage. I noticed that, possibly because of limited newspaper space, there was no mention of spiritual issues. This is a big omission to me, for The Bible teaches that physical death is not the end. Dear soul, if it appears that you will be facing death soon, or even if you hope to live a long life, please consider the following teachings from God’s Holy Word as you consider end-of-life issues. Read The Bible passages – this will require time and effort on your part – but it is important because your eternal destiny is at stake! 1.) Your soul will never cease to exist. Genesis chapters 1 and 2 record that God created the heavens and the earth. When He created man, He breathed the breath of life into his nostrils and man became a living soul. Each of us, as descendants of Adam, has a precious soul that is so valuable that Jesus asked the question in Mark 8:36: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” 2.) There is bad news and good news. Because of Adam’s sin (Genesis chapter 3), spiritual death and physical death entered into our existence. Physical death separates the soul from the body, but spiritual death separates the soul from the holy presence of God. We are all guilty, spiritually dead and unable to save ourselves (Romans 5:12, 3:23 and 6:23a) – bad news indeed! But the Good News is that God so loved the world that He sent His One and Only Son, Jesus, into the world (John 3:16, Galatians 4:4-5) to pay the penalty for our sin by dying on the cross (1 Corinthians 1:23-24, Colossians 1:19-20). Furthermore, His resurrection powerfully proclaims His victory over death (Acts 2:24, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, and 15:50-58). 3.) What is your response? 1 Corinthians 15:26 states that death is an enemy. Please don’t waste precious days or years attempting to laugh at it. It is wise to fear an enemy that you are not prepared to face! You cannot defeat it with your own strength – but Jesus Christ, The Son of God, has already been victorious. You can have victory (and peace with God) if you will trust Him to be your Savior. First, admit you are a sinner (Romans 3:23 and 6:23). Second, be willing to turn away from your sins (Acts 3:19). Third, believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave (Romans 5:6-8, and 10:9-10). Fourth, pray and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you, come into your heart and save you (Romans 10:13). Being “born again” is the answer to victoriously facing death. I pray these Bible passages will help you find the answers to your spiritual needs! Kristy Mayer Warsaw, IN
