“Zoe. Thanatos. Deo Volente.” These are words we don’t use all that often but they are important words for us to know.
Terms. “Our life (zoe) is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Death (thanatos) is certain and judgment day follows (Hebrews 9:27). Every decision we make in life should include the words or at least the thought, “God willing (Deo Volente), I will do this or that” (James 4:15).
Unexpected. On that fateful morning of September 11, 2001 thousands of people went to work in the Twin Towers without any thought of its being their last day alive on earth. But tragically their lives were snuffed out and they left behind many who are still grieving to this day. Maybe you’re suffering from the sudden and tragic death of one of your loved ones.
Consciousness. In all likelihood you haven’t given much thought to the possibility that you may not be alive at the end of this day. All kinds of things can happen. Such thoughts are morbid and we just as soon dismiss them from our thinking as long as possible. But everyday the newspaper includes the names of those who died the day before. Yours or mine could be next.
Hopeless? Maybe you’re thinking of ending your own life because you, like many other people, have no hope for the future. If this is your frame of mind, allow us to show you from the Bible that God’s Word has many promises for us to claim so we can live with joy in our hearts (Philippians 4:4). Jesus said, “I have come that they may have [eternal] life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He also said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Are you trying to live independently of Him?
Change. Your life can be changed dramatically by some Good News and the power of God’s Word (Romans 1:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Christ’s death for our sins and His bodily resurrection from the dead (Luke 24:33-43; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) guarantees eternal life to anyone who places his/her faith in Christ exclusively, apart from their own good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Have you done that yet? If not, why not now?
Preparation. How can we prepare for that inevitable day when we “check out” of this life and enter another realm of existence? Rather than live in constant fear of death as many people do (1 John 4:18), we can/should make sure that we are at peace with God (Romans 5:1) and have assurance that when we die, we will immediately go into His presence in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8). Is it possible for us to know for sure that we will go there the moment we die without our having to go to a purging place first before entering heaven (1 John 5:13)? Yes, we can unless God’s Word isn’t true. But it is (John 17:17).
Purpose. God’s primary purpose is to make Himself known to His creatures (John 17:1-7). Anyone can know that there is a God who is powerful by observing nature (Romans 1:20). But to know other things about Him, and how to be saved and live a life that pleases Him (2 Corinthians 5:9) rather than one that grieves Him (Ephesians 4:30), we must read and study His Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
Help. God gave Pastors and teachers to the Church to help believers grow spiritually in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11; 2 Peter 3:18). We’d be happy to share with you information from God’s Word if you’re teachable and willing to change when you see and understand what God says in His Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 24-26). We have a special chart that can help you see God’s perspective of things from eternity past to eternity future. It’s free for the asking.
Contact. You may reach us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click “Follow.” We like to know if these articles are helpful to you.
Kelseypeach's Blog 