NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES
- Key Verse
- Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43, NLT)
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Central Truth
We often don't know that ways in which the Lord will minister to people right before they die. Some with near death experiences have come back as believers in God, radically changing their lives.
Reflections
There are enough testimonies from people with near death experiences to cause one to ponder what death will be like. Some report seeing a bright light, others see departed family members, some experience the agony of hell, and yet others come face to face with the Lord—Jesus.The two criminals hanging on crosses next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43) provide examples of the two possible reactions to death and an encounter with Jesus. The one criminal rejects Jesus, keeps to his former ways, and curses Jesus and God. The other criminal, however, reaches out for mercy. He begs for Jesus' intervention in his life. He acknowledges his guilt and seeks forgiveness. Although a person may have led a reprobate life, one does not know the details of their encounter with God just prior to death. This criminal chose a new life.
I have heard many pastors state that the most difficult funeral service to conduct is one for a person who gave no indication of faith in God. On the one hand they want to reassure and comfort those in attendance. However, they also don't want to give people a false sense of security that all will join Jesus and loved ones in the after life. This passage in Luke 23 makes it clear that not all will choose paradise.
God “is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9, NKJV). We can rest assured that everyone will be given the opportunity to accept or reject God regardless of their place of birth, their lack of mental abilities, or their exposure to the Gospel. The point of death may provide that last opportunity.
The criminals had their last chance and thankfully one of them took advantage of the opportunity.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you been to a funeral where you knew the deceased was a believer in God and would be joining Jesus? Have you been to a funeral where this was not the case? How were they different?2. A relationship with Jesus will determine eternity for you. Have you made that decision to join Jesus in paradise?
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