Our Promise

June 1

The afterlife plays a prominent role in virtually all religious systems. The ancient Egyptians revealed much about day-to-day life in their world because they were so preoccupied with preparing people for what they believed would be a continuation of life in the ‘here and now’ when the deceased had crossed into eternity.

Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism believe in reincarnation. One who has died will come back in another life form or at another station in life, depending upon how his most recent life has measured up to what is considered a meritorious standard. Islam believes in a land where one who has died in jihad will enjoy the sexual favors of seventy-two eternal virgins, as well as luxuriant, well-watered vistas flowing with the finest libations.

Christianity rests upon the belief in life after death. As Paul said in I Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” No. We are not the most miserable of men. Our hope is not merely in a good life that will end with our last breath. Belief in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in our behalf transcends time and embraces eternity.

In John 11: 25, 26, the Lord Himself said to the sister of Lazarus as they stood at his tomb, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Our promise is the eternal joy of being in the presence of the One, True, Living God—and of reigning with Him forever (II Timothy 2:12).