Job 24:17

The terrors of the shadow of death.

Death

Scripture speaks of death in two ways. Job calls death “the King of Terrors.” Of a saint and martyr it is said, “He fell asleep.”

I. What is it that makes death terrible?

1. It is the rending asunder of what God has joined together. Body and soul. What life is, and what death is, we know by marked outward signs; but what the soul is, whence it comes, whither it goes, who knoweth, except so far as God has taught us?

2. It is the passage to judgment. “After this the judgment.”

3. It is the breaking up of all we love, and desire, and care for here.

II. Turn to the other side of the picture--what is it that makes death peaceful?

1. The body and spirit shall again be joined. “In Christ shall all be made alive.”

2. The judgment will be the “judgment seat of Christ.” Judgment is terrible where sin is; but sin washed away in the blood of the Cross has no sting, no terror left.

3. The Christian’s treasure is above, his hope is full of immortality. Death to the Christian is the sure and certain hope of a better life. (Alfred Port, B. D.)