No One Deserves Death (Romans 3:23)

“I don't care how rude someone's humor is, no one deserves death.”

This was an anonymous posting on a social media site after the comedian Joan River’s death on September 4, 2014. It caught my eye as it seemed to encapsulate so many ideals of what the world believes. First, humor is acceptable even if it is at the expense of another person’s dignity. Second, one’s opinions are their own and do not have to be justified to anyone else. And finally, death is wrong and should not be the final fate of anyone.

I disagree with the first two points but the third is deserving of a deeper discussion.

There is nothing more wrong than death, on that point I agree. It robs us of those whom we love, often far too early in their lives. It may be preceded by a painful and/or prolonged illness. However, everyone on this earth, no matter how good or great a life they lived, is deserving of death. Does this sound harsh? It should.

No one thinks they are deserving of death. Death is feared because by many people, because there is a genuine uncertainty over what happens next. For some, it means the cessation of all consciousness, of all that whatever made you unique. For others, it may mean a rebirth as another person or even as a lower animal form. Still for others, there is a vague notion that if one led a “good life” they will be rewarded and be allowed to enter Heaven.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23

God has made it very clear that sin has separated us from Him. God is Holy and cannot accept sin in a person, no matter how good a life they have led or how many generous acts of kindness they have performed. At the heart of the matter, God desires an intimate fellowship with us, His greatest creation. But unless this sin that separates us from God’s glory and love is dealt with, we are condemned to a life without Him….and that means death and eternal separation from God.

God knows that none of our efforts will ever make us sinless and restore a broken relationship with Him. Thus, He took the initiative and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our substitute and receive the punishment that we deserve. By dying on the Cross and being raised from the dead and resurrected, Jesus Christ has shown that all who believe in Him as Lord and Savior will be saved. And although we will still die, at the moment of our death, we will be ushered into His glorious presence.

Death is a door that can lead to Jesus Christ and unlimited blessings with a continual fellowship with God, who created us. But it is a door that can only be opened if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Death is wrong. God knows it and took the initiative to do something about it.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.