Is Death the Finished Line?
Bill Nye, the Science Guy, believes the finish line is the end. At death, he believes, you cease to exist. It’s over. You’re finished. There’s no afterlife. There’s nothing beyond the finish line.
He says, "You had your kids; your genes are passed on and you expire.” “You lose your faculties as you run out of steam, and that's just how it is."1
He doesn’t expect to give an account of his life to God or anyone else. Surprises will abound in the afterlife!
Adam Silvera thinks the finish line is the finished line also. He said, “No one goes on, but what we leave behind keeps us alive for someone else.”2
Not expecting life after death, doesn’t make it go away. The Bible treats death as a comma, not a period.
Extensive evidence proves Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection is the shadow of what is to come. The existence of the afterlife is significant. Judgment to come should motivate you to live for Jesus now. “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (2 Corinthians 5:9, NIV).
Everyone dies. You have a finish line on this earth. You naturally want those who remain on earth after you’ve gone to remember you with affection. That, however, can’t be your highest priority. Pleasing others must be a by-product of pleasing God, not an end in itself. If you love God, you’ll love people in practical ways. Most of them will love you in return.
Have you ever wondered who will attend your funeral? It will be those who respect and love you. As wonderful as it is for people to remember you, it’s greater far for Jesus to remember you as He remembered the thief on another cross who said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” Luke 23:42, NIV).
History positively remembers those who make contributions to human life. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.”2 Secular history records secular achievements. Realistically, your name probably won’t ever be an answer on an eighth-grade American history test!
People remember you positively for your loving deeds and kind words. Brandon Lee said, “Immortality is to live your life doing good things and leaving your mark behind.”2 As a Christian, you can leave your mark behind and ahead in the unending stream of eternity by helping others come to know Jesus and make it their goal to please Him. Far more important than what others do in remembrance of you is what you do in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for you (Luke 22:19). The gospel’s good news is that you’re not finished at the finish line! #freechristiandiscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
2. Top 28 Legacy Quotes (LEAVING A MARK) (graciousquotes.com)
See free spiritual growth resources for Christians at https://www.christiangrowthresources.com
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