"Death is the absolute terror," wrote a leading Toronto Globe and Mail commentator, shocked by the tragic death of a famed NHL hockey player.
The commentator's candor in describing death as "the absolute terror" simply put in words what mankind in general has felt since the beginning — ever since "by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin." Rom. 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12).
In what is probably the oldest of the Bible books, the book of Job (written around 1500 B.C.?) death is described as "The King of Terrors."
The popular social concept is to explain death by explaining it away. Frank, open discussion on the subject is now encouraged as a means of removing "this last taboo." But for the unsaved, the sting of death remains as poignant and undeniable as ever, as the following deathbed statements testify: "To what heights of madness is it possible for human madness to reach," wrote a dying man of high rank to a friend. "What extravagance is it to jest at death? to laugh at damnation! to sport with eternal chains, and create a jovial fancy with scenes of eternal misery!"
Another worldling exclaimed as his end drew near: "O that I had been wise, that I had known this, that I had considered my latter end! Death is knocking at my door; in a few hours I shall draw my last gasp, and then judgment, the tremendous judgment! How shall I appear unprepared as I am before the all-knowing and omnipotent God?" Thomas Hobbes, noted English philosopher and infidel, said before he died: "I say again, if I had the whole world to dispose of, I would give it to live one day."
When Hobbes found he could live no longer he exclaimed: "I shall be glad to find a hole to creep out of the world at!"
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, the great French statesman, in the last moments of his life was visited by the King of France. Though he had but a few moments to live, he introduced his doctors, nurses and friends to the king with exquisite formality and courtly etiquette.
"How do you feel?" asked the king.
"I am suffering, Sire, the pangs of the damned," was Talleyrand's reply.
How totally different have been the last words of Christians who "walked through the valley of the shadow of death" and felt no fear!
"What a great thing it is to rejoice in Death!" exclaimed Augustus Montague Toplady, author of "Rock of Ages" and many more treasured hymns. "O what delights! Who can fathom the joy of heaven! The sky is clear; there is no cloud. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly."
John Elliot, one of God's ambassadors to the American Indians, when dying was told by a visitor to "Fear not."
"Fear! No, no, I am not afraid. I thank God I am not afraid to die." His last expression was, "Welcome joy!"
Joseph Alleine, author of "An Alarm to the Unconverted," said in the hour of his departure: "This body shall be made like unto Christ's glorious body. O what a glorious day will the day of resurrection be! I think I see it by faith. How will the saints lift up their heads and rejoice!"
To Jeremiah Evarts when he was dying a friend remarked:
"You will soon see Jesus." To which Evarts replied:
"O wonderful — wonderful — wonderful glory!
We cannot comprehend — wonderful glory! I will praise Him! I
will praise Him! Wonderful glory!"
Following are the last words of Dr. James Hope, eminent London physician: "Christ — angels — beautiful — magnificent,
delightful!" Shortly afterward he said: "I thank
God!" and was gone to be with Christ.
Reader, if you should be called to leave this world today, would your last words express heavenly comfort or woe and despair? What soothing words are these to the believer: "Our Savior Jesus Christ... hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Tim. 1:1010But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:10).
O would you know my Savior
Ye traveler to the tomb?
He takes the sting of death away,
And drives away its gloom.
Then heed His call while yet you may,
The blessed news from heaven;
That God can say in righteousness:
"Your sins are all forgiven."