How would you feel if the statement, “It’s terminal.” was the prognosis from your doctor? You might be shocked, unprepared and even struck with the reality of your own mortality. Initially, you might be overwhelmed. Eventually, you might come to terms with it. Inevitably, such a reaction is the result of what many willfully forget—we are all terminal.

Life is a terminal condition. Every human being has an appointment with death (Heb. 9:27). Since the fall of man, this has been our reality (Gen. 3:19). The bodies we live in shall all return to the dust (Eccl. 3:20), just as the spirit shall return to God who gave it (Eccl. 12:7).  None of us are guaranteed our next breath, let alone our next birthday (Jas. 4:13-15). Add to this the fact that because of our own personal sins (Rom. 3:23; 6:23), we are all on borrowed time (Psa. 90:10), we can only then realize the depth of our terminal condition (Rom. 1:29-32).

This reality should not discourage, dishearten or disturb us, but rather encourage, hearten and comfort us. God has always had a better plan for man than man has had for himself. God desires to have fellowship with us and has done so since the days He walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day in the garden (Gen. 3:8). Thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, those who enjoy the fellowship of Jesus on earth will enjoy the fellowship of God in heaven after death (1 John 1:1-10).

The fact that we are all terminal should remind us to steward the days the Lord God gives us here wisely and to cause us to anticipate the eternal day the Lord God will give us then (Psa. 90:12). As the angel from heaven says, “Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:3-4). Let those who are of the Lord not fear death, but rather accept it and be ready for it (Luke 12:40).

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