TEXT: GENESIS 2: 1 – 17
MEMORY VERSE: Genesis 2: 17 “ But of the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for the day that thou shall eat of it thou shall die”
INTRODUCTION
Many people are afraid of death, but it is inevitable for every human being. Death literally means transition of life. Death in the Greek word is thanetos means to be cut off from the source that gives or makes active. This connotes separation from the source of life (God). If we examine vividly book of Genesis chapter 1 &2, it will be easy for us to know the heart of God and his plans for humanity. Physical death was not in his original blue print of Creation. Adam and Eve were meant to live eternally and not to see death. They had access to the presence of God and the tree of life. God instructed them that as long, as they were obedient to Him and do not eat the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would not die. However, the devil appeared in the form of serpent and deceived them to disobey God and consequently death came upon men. (Romans 5: 12).
TYPES OF DEATH
- PHYSICAL DEATH: The separation of the inner man from outer man. This connotes the separation of the soul and the spirit from the body (James 2: 26, John 19: 30, Mathew 27: 50)
- SPIRITUAL DEATH: when one is dead in sin, he/she is dead spiritually when one becomes an enemy of God due to the life of sin, i.e. disobedient to God’s command. Also when one refuse to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour, such person is dead spiritually. (Ephesians 2: 1 – 5, Colossians 2: 14, 1Timothy 5: 6).
- ETERNAL DEATH: This connotes the final death. I.e. when one is cast into the lake of fire. Someone that is dead physically and spiritually finally ends up in eternal or everlasting death (Revelation 21: 14 – 15, Revelation 21: 8)
HOW CHRISTIAN SHOULD TAKE DEATH; (Phil 1: 20 –26)
- A s process of dropping this corrupt body and putting on immortality {1cor 15,53-54}
- It grant us opportunity go and be with the Lord {2 cor 5,8 ,1 Thess 4,14}
- It mark’s the completion of our Christian race on the earth {2Tim 4, 6-8}
- Believers death is precious in God’s sight {Ps 116,15}
- Death is a again to believers { philp 1,21}
- Believers have hope of resurrection {1 thess 4,13-18,Jn 5,28-2}
CONCLUSION
Preparation for eternity should be done while we are alive, because death is the ‘door’ to eternity. The best preparation is to repent and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour, and be Born again. Thus, we belong to Him, whether alive or dead. (1 Thessalonians 5: 10, Mathew 22: 52).
