by Mark Shaw
Death has been a subject that could no longer be ignored in 2020.
With the coronavirus (COVID-19) infecting and contributing to the deaths of over 300,000 people reportedly in the USA alone in 2020, Americans were confronted with a reality they could no longer ignore: death is imminent for everyone and maybe closer than you think.
Fear of death became real to many people again and that actually is a good thing when you consider that Christians have a message that offers a sure hope for those who fear death and its imminence. Hebrews 2:14-15 says:
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (ESV)
The “he” who destroys death in these verses is Jesus Christ who forgives sinners of all of their sins so that death no longer must be feared. The afterlife is a sure hope of the believer who trusts only in Jesus Christ.
When addiction and alcohol issues are rightly called sin issues of the heart in agreement with the Bible, then there is hope for forgiveness and eternal life according to the Gospel message found in the pages of Scripture.
The transforming addict doesn’t need to fear death since there is assurance of pardon in Jesus Christ that will enable him to receive everlasting life in the new heavens and new earth. What an exciting reality!
I trust that 2020 was a year that reminded you of your mortality and the reality of imminent death, but at the same time, turned your eyes to Jesus. We serve a redemptive God of love who has revealed Himself to us through His Son, the Holy Spirit, and His Word of truth.