“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev. 20:14)
Death is not our friend, he, if that word may be used in reference to death, is not anyone’s friend, nor is he anyone’s enemy. Death has a purpose to fulfill, to bring the cessation of life to the living.
I can recall no Scripture verses where death transports either the wicked to hell or those hid in Christ to heaven, In fact, possibly because of my incredibly poor memory, I can think of no place in the Scriptures beyond our opening verse that speaks of death as a created entity, for lack of a better word, except perhaps for 1st Corinthians 15:55.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
Death’s approach is expected for the aged, the very sick, and for the terminally ill, but rarely if ever for the young, strong and healthy. In extremely rare cases the wicked welcome his arrival, in every case those who are born-again should rejoice when he arrives.
“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28)
All human beings realize the inevitability of death, perhaps in a manner inconceivable to us, every living thing does, but we who are the righteousness of God in Christ are the only people on this planet who anticipate that arrival of death with great anticipation, even joy.
Or at least we should.
Recall the tears of King Hezekiah who knew death was approaching, who used the additional fifteen years given to him by the Almighty in a foolish way, and then offered this feeble, even some might say, selfish reasoning when it was told to him what was going to happen to the kingdom because of his actions.
“Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?” (2nd Kings 20:19)
I read an account of one long ago who was tied to the stake by the Romanist to be burned, who, right before the fire reached the wood around him, recanted of his faith. It ate at his soul so badly that within the week he requested to be placed there again, despising his fear of death.
“As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” (Romans 8:36)
You can deny Satan, you can deny God, but you cannot deny death.
I fear that many who pray for the Rapture do not pray so because they want to be in the presence of the Living God, but because they fear death. I believe that many will say they do not fear death, but in the way their death may arrive. There is no difference in this, fear is fear, but for reasons known only to them death while asleep is more acceptable than death by pain.
Death has no sting for us, he will arrive when the Almighty sends him to us, our only thoughts on this final moment should be this, that we do not in any way dishonor the name of our Savior in our death.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)
Realizing this truth may help to set your mind at ease when you contemplate walking through that final door, the way you will die has been predetermined by your Father in heaven. Would you complain if He says it is to be in pain and suffering?
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
The Lord Jesus Christ was not asking to not to be crucified, He was asking to not be separated from the Father, He was not asking that the sins of all mankind would not be placed upon Him, He was asking that the Father would not turn His back on Him.
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46)
You will not have to concern yourself with any of that.
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)
Every day, in some small way, contemplate that final moment, and rejoice in the eternal life that awaits you.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)