“Whoever hears my words and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”
John 5:24
This verse was on the wall when my Dad was in his final days here on earth. I’ve read these words numerous times before. But the last part of the verse: “he has crossed over from death to life” has so much more meaning to me now.
Here on earth, we look at it from the perspective that he is now dead, there is so much finality to that. But, this verse really changes the perspective on death. Here on earth is death; sin is in the world and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), the earth is decaying. There is war, hatred, racism, sickness, and sadness. My Dad’s body and mind were dying from Parkinson’s disease and Dementia.
Even in life’s fleeting moments and challenges, we hold on to profound hope and assurance. It is a hope rooted in God’s promise that when we die (physically here on earth), we pass from this dying world into eternal life. A life where everything is whole and good and new again, without the imperfections of this world. Where everything is restored to wholeness, goodness, and newness.
Revelations 21:4 reminds us that there will be no more tears or sorrows, where pain and suffering are unknown. That is life, not what we are living here today! This assurance brings us such comfort knowing that our present struggles are temporary, and there is an even greater life yet to come!
It is a hope rooted in God’s promise that when we die (physically here on earth), we pass from this dying world into eternal life.
When Grace Becomes Gratitude
Knowing my Dad is no longer suffering from the horrible effects of these diseases gives me so much peace, and even joy, in the midst of my grief. My Dad is one of the lucky ones… he is now fully alive… he has passed from death to life!
