HH Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

What is the exit strategy for the Christian? If I said “yes” to Christ in this life, what happens to me when I die, when I let go of the rope?

The Bible has so much to say about this that will calm your nerves, loosen your death grip on life and give you hope. Consider the words of Paul in his letter to the Corinthian believers –

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. — 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1

Daily our bodies are wasting away. Can I get an “Amen”? This is just a fact of life. But as we grow in Christ, Paul says, our spirits can actually get stronger. The second-best for overcoming the effects of ageing is diet and exercise. The first-best strategy is spiritual growth, getting healthy on the inside.

We should do everything we can to take care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), but eventually, time takes its toll. I am working hard to slow the process down, but I cannot stop it. I’m not only getting older, but I am getting shorter. Somewhere between childhood and now, I have lost an inch off my height.

Death will eventually win over these perishable bodies we inherited from Adam, but as we grow spiritually and get to know God better, we will see He has a plan for us. His plan trumps all the pain and even physical death we experience in this life. It’s a plan where love wins and we live forever. On the day of Christ’s return, we will receive a new body, a resurrected body that is imperishable. When we fix our eyes on this promise it makes the temporary troubles we have in life now seem puny in comparison. Because no matter how awful our circumstances become, we know this is not how our story ends. We will receive relief from our grief one day. The believer in Jesus can cope with this hope.

Take a look at a man in the water skiing, if he lets go of the ski rope. Think about what will happen? His body will slowly sink into the water. But the life jacket keeps him afloat as the boat circles around to pick him up. Everything seems fine. Take a look the next time he goes out  I assure you he will not only have an entrance strategy but an exit strategy. The plans are changed to avoid the mistakes the first time.

Death, the Bible tells us, is a valley experience. But at some point in the valley, Jesus will meet us there and take us the rest of the way (Psalm 23:4). Death is a sting. But, the sting is only temporary. Once it wears off and is over, you are left with eternity in the presence of God. Whenever it is time for you to let go of the rope of life, you will discover that everything will be just fine. No, not fine…better than ever.

To my brothers, sisters, friends, well-wishers and those reading this message for the first time and are contemplating that there is no way out but to do the unthinkable, I am assuring you today that there is hope. There are many people that you can reach out to and talk it over. Message me and let us talk. God is more than able to assist and guide you into pastures fresh and green. There is someone out there that cares enough for you to counsel and guide.

email me this morning: patriarchgregg@gmail.com