about your death
"The man who hears My word and has faith in Him Who sent Me possesses eternal life. He does not come under condemnation, but has passed from death to life." —John 5:24
Unless you are alive at the time of Jesus' Second Coming, you are going to die. At present you are living in the time of mercy. "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2) Now is the only time you will have to establish a relationship with Jesus as your merciful Savior.
When you die, the season of mercy is over for you (Catechism, 1021). It will immediately be the season of judgment (Catechism, 1022). You will meet Jesus as Judge (Jn 5:27). At that moment, it will be too late for you to establish a relationship with Jesus as merciful Savior. Jesus made this very clear on so many occasions in His preaching (see e.g. Lk 13:25-27; Mt 25:10-13).
Often the prevailing opinion is that practically no one goes to hell. Jesus contradicts this. When asked how many go to heaven, Jesus indicated the possibility that many do not (Lk 13:24). Death and hell are not popular subjects these days, but to deny the reality of eternal condemnation is to deny Jesus. If there is no danger of condemnation, there is no need for a Savior, no need for Jesus.
Hell is real and eternal. When you meet Jesus after your death, will you meet Him as Savior or Judge? "Why delay, then?" (Acts 22:16) Right now, repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Savior. Then obey Him and worship Him till your death (Lk 21:19).
Prayer: Jesus, how can I say "no" to You when You love me so much? Melt away all my resistance in the fire of Your love.
Promise: "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." —Ps 145:18
Praise: Many of David's friends and associates have been impressed by his fearlessness of dying which has its root in his faith in Jesus.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 3, 2006 & September 18, 2006
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