So Much Confusion

If you attend Harvest Bible Chapel in West Olive, MI, you know that I recently began a new sermon series on Sunday mornings entitled, Ready or Not, which focuses on the certainty of death and what follows it. With my attention on the subject of death, I have been noticing lately just how much confusion exists on this topic. Just the other night I was watching one of my favorite science fiction programs (okay if you must know—Star Trek the Next Generation) and in it two of the characters were discussing varying opinions about death. One saw death as the end of existence, while the other saw death as merely a doorway to what lay beyond. Of course, varying opinions about death and what happens to someone after they die is not unique to fictional television. For centuries now, theologians have likewise debated and disagreed over the nature of death and what follows it. Here in West Michigan one well known pastor is coming out with a book, in which, based on the reviews I have read, he asserts that after death all go to heaven. That view certainly flies in the face of others who staunchly believe that one’s eternal destination is determined by his or her relationship with Christ.

With so much confusion, how can anyone be certain what happens when someone dies? The answer lies in the authority of God’s Word. For many in the world, and sadly in the church as well, the tendency for many people is to latch on to someone who expresses the ideas and opinions that they are comfortable with. If I don’t like the idea of hell and suffering after death, I will follow those that express that belief. On the other hand, if I have definite beliefs about heaven and hell, I follow those that share those beliefs. Perhaps it goes without saying, but truth is not determined by what I think or feel or even by what the majority says. Rather, truth is found in the Word of God and if I am going to discover the truth about death and what follows it, I must lean upon its authority and mine its treasures by diligent study. In II Timothy 2:15, God commands us to be diligent students, who rightly handle the Word of God. Similarly, in Acts 17 we are encouraged to be like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures to see if what they had been taught by the apostle Paul was so. I wonder, do you do that? When it comes to hard and difficult topics like death, are you a careful student of God’s Word or do you simply draw your beliefs and conclusions from popular opinion?

In order to be that carful student, I would encourage you to take the following steps any time you study a confusing or difficult subject.

1. Start with the Word of God.

Forget public opinion and the flood of confusing and contrary voices. If you want God’s perspective and God’s truth, go the Word of God for your answers. In John 17:17, Jesus declared God’s Word to be truth.

2. Come to the Scriptures with an open mind.

Obviously, if you approach the Scriptures with your mind made up there won’t be much learning that takes place. Reserve drawing a conclusion, until you have heard from God.

3. Read all the passages on a given subject before drawing a conclusion.

Be careful to come to a conclusion too quickly. One or two verses on a given subject do not necessarily reveal all that God says on a given subject.

4. Consult additional resource material like a bible commentary to compare and evaluate what you have discovered with the insights of others.

While the Holy Spirit will be your teacher, He has also taught others. Taking the time to do additional study will confirm what you have discovered or perhaps reveal that you have additional work to do.

5. Remain teachable.

What I have learned over the years is that positions I once held often need to be modified or tweaked in some way for the sake of clarity and precision. Even after you are convinced as to what God’s Word says, be teachable and open to new ideas.

There is no doubt there is so much confusion when it comes to a long list of topics. That confusion can and should be greatly diminished by the careful study of God’s Word. If you are not already doing it, get into the Word of God on a regular basis and watch confusion melt away as you are confronted by and convinced of God’s truth.