“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: | 1 Peter 3: 15-18

One wise preacher friend of mine would always say, “Men die as they live.”

I have found that to be true over the years of observing people live and die, those who live to themselves, for themselves, who trust and look to themselves for righteousness shall die in their sin of unbelief and self-reliance. Our blessed Redeemer said, “If you believe not that I am, you shall die in your sins.” (John 8: 24)

Those sinners who by the grace of God, who are quickened together with Christ (Ephesians 2: 4-6) and live by God-given faith looking to the Lord Jesus Christ for all salvation, for all righteousness shall also lay down this robe of sinful flesh.　

But believers not only live by faith, “the just shall live by faith” but they also shall die in faith resting in Christ. (Hebrews 11: 13)　

It is no wonder that the death of a believer is called precious; “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116: 15)　

It is no wonder that the death of a believer is called a blessing from the Lord, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours.” (Revelation 14: 13)

Yes, it is true “men die as they live.”

Now consider this! How are you living?

Are you only concerned about the flesh? (Matthew 6: 33)

Do you have any thoughts about salvation and meeting the Lord in eternal judgment? (Hebrews 9: 27)

May the Lord be pleased to grant us faith in Christ, to look to Him, live in Him and to die in Him.

Won’t that be a blessing! (2 Corinthians 5: 8; Philippians 1: 21)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “How Do We Get to God”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Lantana Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 2 September, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a | Crossville, Tennessee