Does the Fear of Death Haunt You?

“Have me decently buried, but do not let my body be put into a vault in less than two days after I am dead.”   George Washington

The horror of being buried alive is relegated to scary movies in our modern society, but there was a time before advanced medical procedure when it was a very real possibility!  “Safety coffins” were popular in past centuries, equipped with a bell that could be rung should the deceased suddenly wake, literally saving them “by the bell!”

Although the fear of being buried alive may have ceased in our modern culture, the fear of facing our own death is still very real for many of us. Only Jesus brings us freedom from this haunting fear.  In Hebrews 2: 14-15 this freedom is revealed for us:

 Therefore, since [these His] children share in flesh and blood [the physical nature of mankind], He Himself in a similar manner also shared in the same [physical nature, but without sin], so that through [experiencing] death He might make powerless (ineffective, impotent) him who had the power of death—that is, the devil— and [that He] might free all those who through [the haunting] fear of death were held in slavery throughout their lives.

Scripture makes it clear that Satan is the author of this fear, but until we settle eternity in our own heart we will likely experience fear and anxiety when it comes to facing death.  Jesus has conquered death for those who put their trust in Him as Lord. When we give our life to Him, we no longer need to be haunted by the fear that our life on earth will come to an end. We will have eternity to be with Him!  Have you given your heart to Christ?