Death is simultaneously the most dreaded and yet, paradoxically, the most exalted phenomenon. It is the ultimate ruler over humanity, for nothing governs the living as definitively as death. Great individuals, once they pass away, conclude their earthly magnificence. Yet, those who leave a lasting impact on others are remembered long after their departure. This is exemplified by figures like Jesus, who lived two thousand years ago but continues to occupy a place in the collective memory of successive generations. Great achievers are those managing to carve out a form of immortality, persisting in memory, long after their peers have departed.
The enigma of life after death has been a subject of contemplation across various cultures and religions throughout history. Each tradition presents its own viewpoint, from the soul’s journey to an afterlife to reincarnation, or merging with the cosmos. The true answer remains elusive, often shaped by personal belief or philosophical stance. From a Biblical standpoint, life after death involves believing in an afterlife where souls persist beyond physical demise. Christian teachings suggest that one’s eternity is spent either in God’s presence, known as heaven, or in separation from God, referred to as hell. The Bible provides numerous passages that delve into this concept, enlightening Christian beliefs regarding the afterlife.
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NKJV).
Paul suggests that while we inhabit the body, we are distant from the Lord, which might appear odd to those who believe physical existence is crucial. Being away from the body and with the Lord indicates a preference for spiritual communion with Christ over physical existence. For Christians, the notion of an afterlife is secondary to the priority of being united with Christ. This mindset manifests as one ceases to prioritize aspects that promote physical longevity. One finds solace in Christ when the mind is centred on Him. This implies that the teachings of Christ take precedence over worldly matters. Paul reiterated this sentiment in his epistle to the Romans.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness” (Romans 8:7-10 NKJV).
The physical body is often viewed as a symbol of sin and is associated with the fear of death, as being subject to the laws of the universe. Due to physical constraints, a person may not always be able to act freely. This notion suggests that a fear of death indicates a lingering entanglement with sin. Conversely, those who embrace the idea of unity with Christ, typically regard death dismissingly. It is believed that a person who fears death cannot fully embody the fruits of the Holy Spirit; which include “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” as there is no law against such virtues” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV).
A person who fears death is unable to display the virtues mentioned for obvious reasons. How can one harbour love for those threatening their existence? Or experience joy in the face of persecution? This principle holds true across all facets of virtue; the fruit is inaccessible to those who live in the shadow of death. These individuals are dictated to, by the conditions of their fear. For example, under a tyrannical regime, people might engage in actions they acknowledge as immoral, compelled by the dread of death.
As long as their conscience is disturbed, happiness and joy remain elusive. It can be concluded that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is attainable only to those unafraid of death. This refers to those who identify with Jesus’ death as their own. They lead lives dedicated to improving other people’s lives more than theirs, embodying extroversion. The Christian calling involves facing death fearlessly. Believing that Jesus died and is alive, such individuals draw from this belief that death holds no power over them.
“And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterwards the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. Just as the man of dust was, so are those made of dust; and just as the heavenly Man is, so also are those who are heavenly. And just as we have carried the likeness of the man of dust, we shall also carry the likeness of the heavenly Man.
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:45-58 NKJV).
Paul speaks of a death conquered by Christ, rendering death powerless and no longer a source of fear. This victory establishes Jesus as the true Hero, securing the coveted fruit of the Holy Spirit. When recognizing Jesus as the second Adam, one understands the triviality of the physical body, deeming it unworthy of attachment. Jesus’ death overcame physical death, now considered desirable by those living by His faith. Essentially, cherishing life in its physical form becomes superfluous, as the ultimate act is to offer it for Jesus’ purpose.
In as much as there is a second chance for life, granted by the sacrifice of Jesus, there is also a second death. Due to the damning effects of the second death deeming it as the only one to be avoided, the knowledge about it is essential. A knowledgeable person aims to avoid the second death rather than worrying about avoiding the first death. This is what John adequately covered in the Book of Revelation.
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15 NKJV).
The text describes a form of death that subjects humanity to its greatest fear, which then dominates them eternally. It is unclear whether this refers to a physical death or an existence devoid of passion. This suggests the absence of the Spirit’s fruit, as detailed in Galatians 5:22-23. Consequently, a person becomes controlled by their utmost fear, which in this case is death. This leads to the inevitable truth that one’s greatest fear ultimately governs them forever. Those who are unafraid of death in this life possess a special blessing, as described by the same author of the Book of Revelation.
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and Christ and shall reign with Him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4-6 NKJV).
The first resurrection is relevant to those demonstrating bravery by not fearing the first death. Intriguingly, they are regarded as not different from Jesus. This is rationalized by the fact that Jesus did not hold his physical body dear, thus allowing it to be crucified. Those considered His brethren, scorned death, also honoured with the first resurrection. Such individuals would have been reluctant to seek glory in the physical form. The essential understanding is that the physical body’s purpose is to serve God by contributing positively to fellow humans. There is no greater value than promoting the heavily suppressed gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is crucial to consider the fate of those who die without having received the grace of our Lord, categorized into two groups. The first group consists of those who had the chance to learn about our Lord’s grace but did not embrace it. This underscores the necessity of preaching the gospel throughout the world, to ensure that every person is offered the chance to accept it. Others will access the opportunity to receive truth, during the millennium, under Jesus’ reign. However, as indicated, there will be those who choose not to accept grace, thus showing their defiance, after Satan’s return (Revelation 20:7-10). Those who currently reject Christ but die before the millennium will be subject to judgment on the formidable Day of the White Throne Judgment.
Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you” (Matthew 11:20-24 NKJV).
Scripture suggests that those who have passed away without the opportunity to receive the Lord’s grace will be judged with mercy. This would contrast those having heard the message but choose to delay their commitment, preferring earthly pleasures, instead; before their demise. This would be the first death, but such individuals may face the peril of eternal separation. The Scripture implies that even the gravest sinners may receive mercy over those who seem virtuous but spurn the Lord’s grace.
The inescapable reality is that humanity is tethered to the inevitability of mortality. To break free from this curse, one must embrace Jesus, which entails forsaking everything deemed precious in this life. Often, the obstacle is the concern for the opinions of others. Procrastination in embracing the gospel, is typically, due to worrying about societal perceptions. Ultimately, pride prevents one from accepting the grace offered by our Lord.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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