Today,
reply is on replacing the fear of death and fear of the unknown with
awe, reverence, and a meaningful relationship with GOD. A
fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion and
Spirituality who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data
appears) posted the following:
I’m
scared to die…?
I
know death is inevitable. I’m an atheist but I want to believe
there’s some kind of afterlife but I can’t imagine one and it’s
not like I’d ever be into any kind of religion because I’m
bisexual.
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them
that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he
hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear
him. (Luke 12: 4-5, King James Version, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: Mysteries Of The Kingdom? (09/28/2018); Incurring
“The Second Death” (04/02/2018); Fear, Revelation and Desire
(05/22/2017); No Fear In Love? (05/17/2017); Spirit Process not
Feelings? (09/21/2016); Fear That Acknowledges GOD? (07/15/2016);
Correct Awe and Respect (02/04/2016); Awe? (08/09/2015)
“Anonymous”,
we are not to fear the fact that we are mortal, and will complete our
mortality. Fear of death is often confused with fear of pain, and
fear of judgment for sins. Among Christian believers, becoming free
from the fear of death and judgment are accomplished by filling ones
awareness, and focusing ones self-will (willpower) to continue in the
relationship of a life companion to GOD who is immortal,
incorruptible, and invisible. As expressions of the flesh, emotion
and fear are generated through mechanical and natural operations
(e.g., circulation, sensation, stress) while awe and reverence are
features that appear through actions of spirit. Fear of the unknown
is best dispelled through sacred knowledge and revealed
truth that have life-nourishing power and substance. The mind is not
to be fed with conjecture, imagination, unanswered questions, and
speculation. Rather, there must be a reconfiguration of ones mind
whereby behavior and conduct are generated through exchanges and
interactions of ones own spirit substance. Inseparable aspects of
the divine life essence (we say, breath; spirit; word)
will be imparted from the makeup of GOD as Creator. Included are
faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, oneness without sameness, personhood, wisdom, and wrath against
sin. Knowledge and practice then can exist and unfold as balanced,
complete, interwoven, and systematic; yet, organic, personal, and
responsive. Consider the following assurances, promises, and
prophesies of eternal life from the Bible that serve as the specific
expectations (hope) of believers:
1.
Psalms 23: 4-6, King James Version (KJV): 4 Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
2.
Ephesians 4: 21-24, KJV: 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and
have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put
off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of
your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is
created in righteousness and true holiness.
3.
Hebrews 2: 14-18, KJV: 14 Forasmuch then as the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of
the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power
of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear
of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily
he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed
of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made
like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high
priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being
tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
There
is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually
apprehended. (For example, 4. Romans 8:
13-17, KJV: 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if
ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall
live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again
to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs;
heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer
with him, that we may be also glorified together.) Even so,
I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to
your faith.
Washington,
DC
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