It Is Not Death

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · May 23, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 20.

The coming of our Lord is not at death. He is the Life-bringer, not the death angel. Says His apostle, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." 1 Cor. 15:26. When Jesus came to the desolated home of Martha and Mary, they did not hail Him as the harbinger of death. Each sister said, "Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." John 11:21, 32. His coming brought life instead of death.

Again: Jesus said of John, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" John 21:22. From that the disciples, ignoring the "if," concluded that John would not die. Verse 23. Now if death were Christ’s second coming, the disciples would not have concluded that John would not die.

No; death is an enemy, the finished fruitage of sin; for "sin, when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death." Jesus Christ is the Saviour from sin and death, and at His coming will bestow life forevermore.