How can I be prepared to die?

Answer

Death and dying are uncomfortable topics for most individuals, especially concerning one’s own mortality. Many of us go through life without contemplating our own death until a severe illness, the passing of a loved one, or another significant event forces us to face the inevitable truth that one day we will pass away. Ecclesiastes 7:2 reminds us that “death is the destiny of everyone; the living should ponder this.” How can I confront my own mortality? How can I prepare for death?

The Scriptures refer to death as an adversary “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”, (1 Corinthians 15:26). Due to death’s finality and the many unknowns surrounding it, it is common to feel anxious and fearful about dying. However, the Bible proclaims that Jesus Christ has defeated death once and for all: “Now with the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus, he has . . . destroyed death, and through the Good News he has brought eternal life into full view” “but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: “, (2 Timothy 1:10, GWT). Those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation need not dread death but can face the grave with complete assurance and confidence.

Following death, judgment awaits “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: “, (Hebrews 9:27), and most individuals are unprepared to “meet their Maker.” The primary way to ready ourselves for death is to ensure we are in a right relationship with God. Establishing a correct relationship with God begins with acknowledgingAcknowledging our sin before Him through confession and repentance means placing our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” «that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. », (Romans 10:9, NLT). Salvation is God’s gift to us «For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: », (Ephesians 2:8); we only need to receive it by faith.

A right relationship with God through Jesus Christ frees us from the penalty of sin (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:1-2; Hebrews 9:15) and from death itself (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; Romans 5:12-17; 7:24). It also liberates us from the fear of dying: “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:14-15; NLT).

The sting of death is removed for true Christians because we know where we are going when we die. Our perishing bodies will be transformed into immortal ones that will live forever with Christ in God’s eternal kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:42-58).In reality, we are never truly prepared to live until we are ready to die.

Once we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, we can further ready ourselves for death by maintaining right relationships with the people in our lives. We should reflect on our connections with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Are there any relationships that require reconciliation? Is there someone we need to forgive or someone who requires our forgiveness? Are there any words that need to be spoken?

Regarding practical preparations, we should realistically assess the financial impact our passing will have on our family and make arrangements in advance. Do we need to create a will or other legal documents, obtain life insurance, or set aside funds for funeral and burial expenses? Another thoughtful step is to provide written instructions for our memorial service.

Scripture instructs us to live with an awareness of our mortality and an eternal perspective. This involves investing our time, talents, and resources in things of lasting value. Jesus referred to this eternal mindset as daily dying for Him: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” (Luke 9:23-24;NLT). Believers lead their lives with the anticipation of heaven and a willingness to surrender their lives until they reach that destination.

For believers, death marks the commencement of a new, eternal phase of existence. When our earthly days draw to a close, we will transition to the commencement of a heavenly life. Heaven is our genuine abode where God eagerly awaits to embrace us. In His eternal kingdom, all sorrow, pain, and death will come to an end «And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for thThe former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4). We will enjoy intimate fellowship with God and our loved ones. No matter how spectacular we imagine heaven will be, the Bible promises it will be even better: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him” “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, GWT).