Comparatively speaking, the worst tragedy is to miss eternity with God. Believers in Christ are guaranteed everlasting food, clothing, and housing for all eternity.
People once asked Jesus if the tragic death of some Galileans was because they worse sinners than others. The Roman Governor Pilate had executed them while they were in the process of making sacrifices to God. What did Jesus say?
“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’” [1]
Jesus emphasized everyone’s need of repentance. The Bible states that one sin against God makes a person guilty before God. “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” [2]
Not one person measures up to God’s standard of perfection. “…There is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” [3]
The Apostle Peter told his listeners how to overcome eternal death. We all die, but what happens after that is what is most important. Peter preached, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” [4]
The key to eternal happiness is to repent of trusting in our own efforts to reach God and to acknowledge that God has already reached out to us. He created us. He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. He gives us His Holy Spirit. In Christ, we can have a meaningful life no matter what the world does destroy it.
Rather than focus on death, let us focus on God’s promise of eternal life to those who believe in Jesus. Let us focus on good that God does through us whether we many or few days on earth.
[1] Luke 13:1-3
[2] James 2:10
[3] Romans 3:22-23
[4] Acts 2:38
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