One of the most ambiguous things in life is death. Regardless of our existence, whether you are rich or poor, old or young, we are all aware of the fact that we shall die. A lot of individuals are afraid of death and others avoid thinking of it. Why people die, however, is the question? I have also taken time to reflect on this, study the Bible, and hear the teachings by the Members Church of God International (MCGI). This has enabled me to realize that death is not just a fortuitous occurrence, it has a purpose and a goal by the word of God.
To begin with, we should realise that death had entered the world due to sin. Initially, God did make man to be immortal. In Genesis 2:1617 God said to Adam: Of all trees of the garden mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: In the day that Thou eatest thereof, surely shalt die. Unfortunately, Adam failed to obey God and sin entered the world. Due to such sin, death entered human lives. This is described by Romans 5:12 in the following: Since therefore by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and therefore death passed upon all men, because they all are sinners. Thereafter man fell to mortality.
When I consider this I know that God did not plan his death. God never wanted us to die. He made us to be at peace, happy and obedient to Him. But due to disobedience death was introduced as a penalty and a lesson on our weakness. However, God cannot be seen to be unmerciful even in such punishment. Death was the means of cessation of pain, suffering, wickedness in this sinful world. Suppose evil men should live eternally--how would there be more trouble? Death, therefore, in a manner, restricts evil and makes us realize that this world is not our ultimate home.
Death is also demonstrated by the Bible as a rest. Ecclesiastes chapter nine verse five states: that the living know that they shall die: but the dead know no thing. When the individuals pass away, they are not in consciousness, they are just taking a rest after their works. This realization assures me. It demonstrates that the earthly life does not end with the death but it is a sort of sleeping till the resurrection day, when God will judge and reward people.
Not all people die in the same way, however. It has its share of a peaceful death and those who die a painful death. Others are killed off at a tender age, and others live but die. I would question why God puts in such a difference, but Ecclesiastes 3:12 in reminder me of the fact that To everything there is a season, and a time to everything under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die. Everyone has been predetermined by God to die and nobody can alter it. We will only die at the right time, not at the wrong time and it is what we do with it that counts.
I have also been taught in MCGI that death makes us humble and rely on God. A lot of others live as though they are immortal. They pursue cash, authority and fame without remembering that all things on earth are temporal. However, when a person dies, even the proud are set to know that life is brittle. According to Psalm 90: 12, we should be taught to count our days so that our hearts can be applied to wisdom. Considering death is a way of living in a wise manner. It challenges us to live in a righteous way and to be prepared to see God.
One more profound fact is that death has lost its power through Jesus Christ. Even though it is inevitable that all human beings will die physically, there is hope of the eternal life to those who believe in Christ. In John 11:25-26, Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. I find this scripture very comfortable to me. It implies that in case I die one day, my soul will not be dead. Life is promised beyond the grave.
However, it is not only that people die but also, what happens after death? The Bible to that is the answer, that people who perish in Christ will be reborn to live forever, and those who do not will be eternally separated with God. Death is not the last destination then, it is the gate to another life.
In conclusion, individuals die because sin was introduced in the world but God employs it to achieve His will. Death is a humbler, good bye, and it teaches us the fact that we have a limited amount of time left on this earth. But with Christ we hope that we shall live eternally. All this makes me no longer have the fear of death when I think about it.
Rather, I would interpret it as a warning to be able to live faithfully each day, love God, and do good to others as long as I have breath. It was only natural that Revelation 14:13 should say so beautifully, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord: that they may rest of their labours; and their works do follow them.
Indeed, knowing the reason why people die makes us know how we ought to live.