Christ, The Life
J. Allen Blair
Do you realize that we are all here by the grace of God? Not only that-we are kept alive by the grace of God. God sustains us day-by-day. Every heartbeat is made possible providentially, by the love and mercy of God. One of these days your heart will stop beating, then what?
January through April, we presented Christ as The Door, The Good Shepherd, The Living Bread, The Vine, and now, Christ, The Life.
Christ gave us consoling hope to face the future. I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25). The occasion for this statement was the death of our Lord's beloved friend, Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. When Lazarus was stricken, and recovery seemed improbable, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. Upon receiving the message, He said to His disciples, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby (John 11:4).
But the fact of the matter is, Lazarus did die. What then did Jesus mean when He said, This is not unto death? He meant that it was not unto eternal death. Unbelievers die and are eternally separated from God-but not those who truly believe in Christ. Jesus declares of the believer though he were dead, yet shall he live.
Sickness and death, as far as the believer is concerned, is for the glory of God. Things do not happen by accident to those who trust in Christ. Everything is divinely appointed.
A sailor was asked one time if he feared storms out on the high seas. "Not at all," he answered. "According to the Bible, God holds the waters in the hollow of His hand. And even if the ship were wrecked and I were thrust into the sea, I would but drop into my Father's hands."
That is so true. At death, the believer goes to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. When he dies, his soul is released from the shackles of his body to flee to the Lord. God says in Psalm 116:15, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
It is wonderful to know that the Lord controls all things, even death. It is impossible for death to strike the believer until God permits. In Job 1:21 we read the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. For this reason, we need not worry about death but just simply rest in the Lord.
What joy must have come to Mary and Martha at the tomb as Jesus cried out Lazarus, come forth! And then, to see that dear brother step forth from the cold tomb must have been thrilling. Think of it: dead-then alive again!
If you think this is wonderful, someday our blessed Lord will shout, and all over the world graves will open to release the bodies of believers in Christ who will rise from the dead. God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17, when Christ returns, the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Friend, this is not theory, but actual fact. Christ is coming back. And all the bodies of those who believe will be raised to meet Him when He returns, to live with Him for all eternity. Because of this blessed hope, all fear is removed from death for those who really know Christ as their own.
David could say assuringly, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (Psalm 23:4). Saved people should not fear of death, rather recognize it as the passageway to life, real life, eternal life. It is the doorway into the presence of God, never to depart from His blessed presence. At death, the soul of the child of God goes to be with the Lord immediately. This is a place of eternal beauty, everlasting peace, and enduring happiness.
Paul wrote in Philippians 1:23, I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. He knew the meaning of death for the child of God-to be ushered into the presence of Christ.
Years ago, Job declared, I know that my Redeemer liveth - and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God (Job 19:25,26).
Repeatedly, the Lord tells believers in the Bible that He has prepared a home for them. Those who love Christ are looking forward to this heavenly home. They are not afraid to die, for it is glory on the other side.
A little girl was seen tripping lightheartedly through a graveyard at dusk. Someone asked if she were not afraid. "Oh no," she replied, "I only cross the cemetery to get home."
So it is for believers. We simply pass through death to be at home with the Lord. Paul could say with confidence, For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1). There is no suggestion of doubt here. Paul knew. So may you know; so may anyone know who is willing to come God's way through Christ. If you have Him, you are ready. And when the time comes, God will prepare your heart and give you the peace and grace you will need for the trial of death, which is to usher you into His presence.
I knew a doctor who was a real saint of God. In addition to his busy and flourishing practice, he preached in a little church on Sundays. Whenever he ministered to the physical needs of his patients, he was always careful to give some spiritual help as well. Some of his patients said they got more out of what he said to them than what he did for them. One evening, after this dear brother had been playing with his youngest child on the living room floor, he slumped over and fell dead from a heart attack. Of course, this was a tremendous shock to his wife and family.
Later, while his wife was emptying out the pockets of the suit in which her husband had preached on the previous Sunday, she found the notes from his last sermon. The text was Numbers 23:10, Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like His! God prepared this faithful servant for death. You see, we have a wonderful Christ.
Friend, do you know Him? If death should come at this very moment, would you be ready to meet the Lord Jesus Christ? Even if you are not afraid to die, are you ready to die? Without Christ, you are not ready. So, I hope, if you have never taken Him into your life, that you will do it right now. Let Jesus be your Savior and Lord.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).
Living Eternally in MP3
A book in MP3 format, 2 CD set.
$12.00 plus $3.00 shipping = $15.00
These are not ordinary audio CDs and will only play on a computer, a player that is specifically MP3 authorized, or on a podcast device. Order online or by postal mail. No phone orders (additional shipping outside USA).
Marriage Potholes?
Marriage Can Be Successful is in tract format and it is yours free this month. This printed message could help you avoid the rough spots in the road ahead.
Dr. Blair wrote:
"Every time a marriage goes wrong, two people fail. Each is quick to blame the other, but both have failed."
When you write or call this month we will send you one free copy, so don't hesitate!
God's Stimulus Package
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).
Happy 96th Birthday Mrs. Blair!
On April 2, 2009, Mrs. Blair celebrated her 96th birthday with dinner at a Japanese restaurant with family members, including three great-grandchildren!
She praises the Lord for His blessings of health and longevity!
God's Economy
For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Psalm 50:10