Everlasting Life
“Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” – Luke 23:43
On January 23, 1546, Martin Luther travelled to Eisleben, his hometown, to arbitrate a family dispute between two brothers, the counts of Mansfield. Through his mediation, the two reconciled. However, Luther, 62 years old and weary of the many demands on his life, fell ill. Knowing the end was near, he wrote his last will and testament. It began with the words, “I am well known in heaven, on earth, and in hell,” a true statement of the result of his bold Christian testimony throughout his life.
In his last moments, Luther was asked by his friend Justus Jonas, “Do you want to die standing firm on Christ and the doctrine you have taught?” He answered emphatically, “Yes!” Luther’s last words were: “We are beggars. This is true.”
When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we have the assurance that as we pass through death, we will have everlasting life in Him. Praise the Lord that He freely gives eternal life to all that trust in Him.
It is not darkness that we are going to, for God is Light. It is not lonely, for Christ is with us. It is not an unknown country, for Christ is there.
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57