As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed; the time is here for me to leave this life. I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the prize of victory awarded for a righteous life, the prize which the LORD, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day – and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

You can die with certainty that you will go to heaven. No one wants to die, but when the time is close, and you know God will not heal you, you can go through an amazing transformation. You can have a calm acceptance of death. Your face can take on a new glow, and you can give words of testimony and praise. Know that you are one of God’s children. Know that you will soon be with Jesus in heaven. Use that peace and joy that you radiate to bring comfort to your loved ones and friends.

Where does the source of absolute certainty come in the face of dying? It is the supernatural grace imparted by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Praise God! All who trust Christ and who walk in fellowship with Him need not dread the hour of death.

Death is not a period – it is only a comma.

Our Daily Bread – June 13, 2002