Finding Freedom from the Fear of Death
By Lynette Kittle
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death”—Hebrews 2:14, 15
Life can seem fragile, where at times just waking up each day and going out into the world means facing issues like worldwide pandemics, natural disasters, violence, accidents, and more.
As women, we can feel especially vulnerable to what might be coming next in the world, but as Christians, Jesus has set us free from the fear of death.
Counting the Days Ahead
As a hospice chaplain, my husband ministers to people with terminal diseases and conditions, individuals who are told they are dying. To most, receiving a heads-up on their own mortality is a wake-up call in deciding how they want to live the rest of their lives, along with making decisions that last an eternity.
It’s an urgent reminder to individuals to make end-of-life decisions before it’s too late. Like Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Although Hebrews 9:27 reveals that every human has an appointment with death, most individuals aren’t thinking of it or planning on it happening anytime soon.
Most people believe they have plenty of time on earth to accomplish their goals before considering death and meeting their Maker. But tragically for some, there often isn’t time for them to make things right with God before death catches them off guard.
For all who have lost loved ones to sickness, a natural disaster, accident, crime, or more, it’s all too real how quickly someone can pass away from this life without any notice.
Safety in Christ
However, as a Christian, having a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, means we are free from the fear of death and prepared for eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:54 describes how, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true. ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’”
As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are in a win-win situation, like the Apostle Paul explained, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
As well, even though there is great sorrow in losing someone we love without notice, we know for those who know Christ, He suffered and tasted death for them.
Hebrews 2:9 explains, “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor, because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.”
We have the assurance of knowing they are safe with God, crossing over from death to life. In John 5:24, Jesus explains, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
Experiencing a few life-and-death moments myself, as a Christian, my heart was shielded from the fear of death and comforted by the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guarding my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Urgency to Tell Others
However, individuals who do not know Christ are right to fear death. Jesus tells us in John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
For those who do not know God, the loss is devastating and everlasting. The choice to follow Christ can’t be made after death. Decisions are required before leaving this world. As Romans 10:13 explains, “For, ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
There is an urgency to share the gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ with loved ones and those around us. It is a timely matter, one not to put off until tomorrow. Hebrews 3:15 explains, “As has just been said: ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.’”
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus to free us from the fear of death. Help me to walk in the peace You give us. Lead me in sharing Your gift of Salvation with those who are gripped with the fear of dying. Give me opportunities to present this life-giving truth to them before it’s too late in their lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/PeopleImages
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Monday, 14 August 2023.
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