Throughout history the subject of life after death has a much debated subject.  It is no different in today’s time.  Views on the existence of life after death vary, based upon the belief set held by the individual.  Some of the most common views include:

1. Denial – the belief that all aspects of life ceases at physical death.


2. Reincarnation – is the belief that a soul is reborn in a new body.


3. Spiritism – in many of its forms, believes that the soul of the dead remain upon the earth in the form of ghosts (or spirits)


4. Eternalists – teachings include the belief that the souls of the dead continue to exist being separated from this temporal world, and entering into eternal, spiritual habitations.

What we believe about life after death is of extreme significance; what we believe about life after death will dictate how we look at the role of our life on earth:

1. If no afterlife exists, then there is no reason to prepare for an afterlife. This view centers on experiencing all that this world offers to please our flesh.  We can basically, eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.


2. If there is reincarnation, then our works and our lessons learned in this life are central to our future state of our soul.  This centers us on our outward works and gaining lessons through experience.  It implies that our eternal state is dependent upon our works.


3. If Spiritists are correct, after death, our relationships with those on earth are not severed, the dead can still communicate, and be present, with those living on earth.  There is very little use to prepare for the afterlife; in many ways, life continues on as it was, only in a spirit form rather than a corporeal body. 


4. If the Eternalist view of the afterlife is correct, the need to prepare while on earth is of utmost importance.   There are no second chances, the importance of the material world is minimized when compared to the spiritual world to come. 

We are going to find out what the Bible says about life after death and how this belief set and the affect it had on Job’s life…

THE SCRIPTURE:

Job 19:23-27 (KJV)

23) Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

24) That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

25) For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

26) And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me.

THE STUDY:

Job, at this point in his life, was facing many difficult trials, brought about by Satan, but allowed by God. (Job 1:6-12, Job 2:1-6)

Some of the trials Job was facing included:

1. Loss of possessions and livelihood (Job 1:13-17)


2. Loss of children (Job 1:18-19)


3. Loss of health (Job 2:7-8)


4. Loss of Wife’s support (Job 2:9-10)


5. Loss of Friends support (judgmental, prideful) (Job 4:-on)

Basically, Job was alone, poverty, stricken, sick, and mourning… yet what was his response?…

Job 19:

23) Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

24) That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

Job knew his mind wouldn’t change, what he was about to say was the foundation of his life and belief system.  

Also, he knew these words could be of help to many others following in his footsteps of a tried, tested life.  These words should be kept throughout the ages.

25) For I know

Job didn’t “think” or “hope” or “was pretty sure”... he “KNEW”  - in other words, he was certain of this set of 5 truths:

[that] my redeemer

1st Truth – Job knew that he had been purchased out of the bondage of sin.

liveth,

2nd Truth – Job knew his Redeemer could help him now.  He was living, He not only had worked on his behalf in the past, but he could help him now through the trials he was facing.

 and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

3rd Truth – Job knew that his Redeemer would come again.  Job recognized that he was King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is coming a day He will return and judge the world for their sins.

26) And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

4th Truth – Job knew that he would be resurrected someday with glorified body. Being delivered from the many trials of life that he faced.

27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me.

5th Truth – Job knew He knew he would be dwelling with the Lord, personally, for an eternity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who are saved …

What a wonderful set of motives to keep Job on the right track, serving God and being in submission to His will, no matter what the obstacles we may face in life.  Job summed up his commitment to the Lord by saying…. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

As Christians, we should all be sharing in Job’s motive and his resolve to put His Lord first in his life no matter what we may face along life’s way.

For those who have yet to be saved...

Job shares, with all believers, the knowledge that his life on earth will be followed by a wonderful eternity with His Lord.   All of this was given to Job freely, through the grace of God, as Job responded to the calling of His Lord and trusted in the coming Messiah. 

This same set of promises can be a part of your life.  How does this take place? By simply turning from your sins and coming to Jesus accepting Him as your Lord and Savior.  He promises to save you and give you a glorious eternity with Him.

John 5:22-29

24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

27) And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

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 May the Lord bless your study of His Word.  Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

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