WHY PREFER THE THEME OF DEATH?
By R. F. Cottrell
When we talk of the coming again of Christ, people in general will begin to talk of death. They tell us if they are only prepared for death, that is all that is necessary. Well, are they prepared for death? If they are, why should they choose to die in preference to “that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”? Do they not in this betray a sense of unreadiness for this grand and glorious event? And if they look upon this with dread, can they still fancy that they are prepared to close their probation by death? Is it not rather a fact that a feeling of unpreparedness—a sense of sin and unbelief—induces them to choose death, because they hope it is further off; and hence they wish to escape the revealed truth that the advent is at hand? Oh! that they would awaken to a preparation for any event which it may be their lot to meet. Then they will be willing to let the Lord choose for them, whether to sleep in Jesus, or live and remain to his appearing. Death is our enemy, as the Scriptures affirm. Death is not lovely. But Jesus is lovely, and he justly demands our love, adoration, and worship. His coming is glorious and lovely; and all who “love his glorious appearing” will hail that day with gladness inexpressible. That coming is near, even at the doors, according to his promise. The signs have appeared. Let all believe his word, get ready, and be found watching; lest coming suddenly find us sleeping. For to those who are not watching, he will come as a thief; but the true believers are not in darkness, that that day should overtake them as a thief. Rev. 3:3; 1 Thess. 5:1–6.