Three Seconds After Death For A True Christian
By: Jeremiah Baldizan
I just died one second ago and was only 19 years old before I died. I professed Christ and was highly involved in ministry, and though my ministry did not cause me to receive the honor of men. I didn’t care, because I did it for Christ my Master. I was quite content to be a pilgrim on earth, even though others would rather fit in at disobedient churches. My ministry meant nothing to me as far as salvation was concerned because God had showed me that my good works were still filthy rags. Before my death at 19 years, I mourned over my sin as the death of a dear loved one. Not because of the terror of death, but because of the violence done to my Maker’s kindness. Christ was my only hope, All other hopes for salvation, seemed dread filled. Even my best accomplishments in ministry I felt could only bring more of the wrath of God on me, and my sins, except for the grace of God, could only lead me to total and complete despair. But my hope before death was the greatest, the promise of God, in written form. The revelation of God’s character found in Jesus Christ. A God who delights in mercy over justice and looks upon the lowly. I did a foolish thing as far as many are concerned. I put all my eggs in one basket, and choose to live for another kingdom. Bearing universal hatred from sinful men and high looks from prestigious religious men, the Word was my guide through my short stay on earth. Walking in the fear of the Lord, I kept watch because death hung over my head, and my Master was expected to return at any hour. Woe to those who are found wanting in that day, I thought as I earnestly stayed in vigilant self-reformation and trembling to be sure of personal election. One second ago that was my life. My marriage plans are over now, and I am immediately in the presence of Almighty God. I cannot notice my surroundings because my mind is completely engaged with the presence of goodness and power in combination with the overwhelming realization of a sinful creature seeing himself a Holy God sees him. Pangs of conscience and dreadful woe mixed with an extreme anticipation of immediate punishment is all I feel. It was hushed while I lived on earth but now awakened. It was always in the back of my mind that this day and hour was coming yet my actions now feel more that what I did, I know they are what I am! All my excuses for my sins have left me naked! My shame is not hidden! No words against me! In fact God’s presence alone for one second causes more conviction than a thousand holy men with fingers pointed preaching against my sin for a thousand years. My position is prone now. The anticipation is overwhelming, more than words can explain. My flesh is crawling inside, and I do not have the strength to look up. My limbs will not stop shaking and the dread and terror have reached some kind of climax, as a thought enters my mind. The thought says, “I know Jesus Christ.” It echoes in my mind, “I know Jesus Christ…I know Jesus Christ…” Every time I hear it more of strength returns as I realize this God must see me as just. The overwhelming dread is being replaced with peace, and a feeling of God’s affection. I stand up before God’s throne and say “I know Jesus Christ!” and the reply comes back with a thunder of joy “Blessed is the man who’s sins are forgiven!”And now it just begun.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"
Romans 5:1
