Hebrews 9:27 may be the most definitive statement in the Bible concerning the subject of death. When the Lord comes again, multiplied millions of people will have died here on this earth. And even those who are still alive when that great day comes will "die" because death simply means "separation."
To some life seems long, but it is only a very short journey (Isaiah 38:1). Let us also remember that death does not always strike the oldest of us (1 Samuel 20:3).
Different biblical uses of the word "death"
Spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1; 1 Timothy 5:6; Luke 15:24)
Second death - or, eternal death in Hell (Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:14)
Death to sin (Romans 6:11)
Physical death (Genesis 35:18; Joshua 23:14; Job 16:22; 2 Samuel 14:14; John 11:11)In what ways do people die?
1) by divine intervention - the great flood, at Mt. Sinai
2) by disease - heart disease accounts for roughly 50% of all deaths in the U.S.
3) by accidents - second only to death by heart attacks
4) by murder - last year 25,000 people were murdered in the U.S.
5) by state execution
6) by suicide - 30,000 people die each year from suicide
7) accidental self-inflicted death - accidental drug overdose, for example
8) wars
9) natural catastrophesIn what condition do people leave this life? Only two conditions exist: either in a saved state or a lost state.
Many die in a lost state. To die this way means to pass from this life to the next without hope.
Those who die in a lost state also die in differing conditions:
1) In total corruption. These people have chosen a corrupt way of life and have no intention of turning from it.
2) Flirting with immorality. In our time, a lack of moral conduct has become acceptable. So many people reason that a "little" loose moral conduct is fine and harmless.
3) In religious ignorance. Very many people refuse to compare a given religion with the Bible itself. So many go to their graves having failed to do so.
4) Looking back. Some Christians choose to look back to their previous life of sin rather than focusing ahead on living a faithful Christian life (Hebrews 10:28).Many will die in a saved state, having devoted their lives to God (Psalms 116:15; Revelation 14:13). Indeed this is a precious and blessed state in which to die.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Isaiah 38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.
1 Samuel 20:3 And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
1 Timothy 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Genesis 35:18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Joshua 23:14 And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.
Job 16:22 When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.
2 Samuel 14:14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.
John 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.
