Death is Not Necessary

Call to Prayer

Title: Death is Not Necessary

By: Daniel Peter

Date: 06.08.2024

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”  John‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Close to the grave site of Lazarus, Jesus Christ had a strange conversation with Martha. He said, “…The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…” (John 11:25-26). This conversation seemed out of place, given its proximity to Lazarus’ grave site, where one who believed in Him lay.

The concept of immortality is one God has witnessed since the creation of man. Firstly, Adam was meant to live forever but for sin. Even after the fall of man, we hear of Enoch and Elijah, who lived without dying. Although Moses died, we are told how his body was taken, and he was found with Elijah when they appeared to Jesus (Matt. 18:3). Immortality has been and still is today.

Jesus Christ had this conversation with Martha near Lazarus’ grave site so we would understand He was talking about literal death. In it, Jesus reveals two possibilities: “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25) and “whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26 NIV). Meaning, it is possible for some who believe in Him to die, but they will come back to life at the resurrection day. However, from the second possibility He mentioned, it is possible for a Christian to live without dying.

Jesus also indicated these two possibilities in John 21. After describing to him how he would die (John 21:18), Peter was curious about John’s fate, and asked, “What about him?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?…” (John 21:22 NIV), indicating the possibility of living without dying, if He wills it.

Furthermore, Jesus paid the price for immortality at the cross of Calvary, as Scripture says, “…So that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (Heb. 2:9 NIV). Since He has tasted death for us, it’s not necessary for us to experience death if He wills it.

Prayer Point:

Let’s thank God for His word today. Let’s ask Him to help us search the deep things of God.