Death Is Not the End

D E ATH IS NOT THE END What Happens When Life on Earth Is Over

By Billy Joe Daugherty

HARRISON HOUSE Tulsa, Oklahoma

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from The New King James Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible. Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

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Death Is Not the End: What Happens When Life on Earth Is Over ISBN 1-57794-772-X Copyright © 2006 by Billy Joe Daugherty 7700 S. Lewis Tulsa, OK 74136 Published by Harrison P.O. Box 35035 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74153

House Publishers

Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the expressed written consent of the Publisher.

Death Is Not the End People are often saddened and sometimes overwhelmed with grief at the loss of a loved one or a friend. During these times, God’s Word will give you comfort when nothing else can. However, when you understand what the Bible has to say about death, you will view it as a short separation from the one you love instead of a great loss. Jesus said: I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11:25,26

Dying does not end a person’s life. Jesus said that the person who believes in Him, even though he died, would continue to live. —3—

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What does this mean? Man is not just a physical, fleshly being. Man is a three-part being. A person is a spirit who lives in a body and has a soul (mind, will, and emotions). The spiritual part of man is an eternal being. At the moment someone dies, his physical body ceases to have life. But the spiritual part of a person leaves the body and goes to its eternal destination, either heaven or hell. The spirit of a person who knows Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior goes directly to heaven when the physical body dies. The Apostle Paul explains it like this. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7,8

In these verses, Paul showed us that he was not afraid to die. He knew that when he died, his spirit would leave his body and he would go to be with Jesus. —4—

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Your spirit is the real you. The Bible refers to the spirit of a person as the inner man (Eph. 3:16), hidden man of the heart (1 Peter 3:4), and the heart (Matt. 22:37).

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Death Has No Sting Many people fear death because it is unknown. In other words, it is beyond the visible realm. There have been some people, however,

who

have

had

“near-death”

experiences and have been able to come back to tell what happened to them. While the experiences vary from person to person, those who knew Jesus as their Lord when they died often talk of feelings of absolute peace. If they died from a sickness, they no longer suffered from the pain of that illness. Some who have seen heaven but were called back to earth didn’t want to return. They wanted to stay in heaven. Here is what the Apostle Paul had to say about death. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But —6—

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thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin came into the world; and as a result of sin, death also entered the earth. For those who have not made Jesus the Lord of their lives, the thought of death can be frightening. For the Christian, however, death no longer has a “sting” because Jesus bore the sins of the world when He died on the cross. He personally bore our sins in His [own] body to the tree [as to an altar and offered Himself on it] that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 AMP

Since Jesus paid for your sins, you are free from everything that is a result of sin, which includes sickness and death. —7—

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Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14 NKJV

Before giving your life to the Lord, it is impossible to get complete mastery over sin. However, sin does not have the right to dominate a born-again Christian. The believer is free to serve God and not sin. It’s through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to overcome the temptation to sin.

The Sting of Death Is Sin What does this mean? Sin produces death. It is a sting that results in death if it is not removed. People who haven’t given their lives to Christ do not have any hope for eternal salvation. They only hope that God will allow them to go to heaven. Many try to build up a stockpile of good works, hoping their good deeds will open the gates of heaven for them. However, there is only one pathway that leads to heaven. If they do not take it, they are —8—

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destined to spend eternity in hell, separated from God. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

No one would have any hope of spending eternity in heaven had it not been for Jesus. He paid the wages of sin for mankind. He died so you might live! The moment you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you receive God’s forgiveness. Your sins are cleansed, and the sting is removed! Your spirit receives the gift of eternal life. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Your spirit man is recreated when you become born again. The stain of sin that —9—

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separated you from God is now washed clean. The old nature of sin is gone, and a new Godnature has entered your heart.

Right With God You also become righteous in the eyes of God. You receive your righteousness the same way you received salvation—by faith. Unrighteousness brings fear, inferiority, and condemnation. But righteousness produces faith, courage, and freedom from guilt. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

The gift of righteousness is available to all who call upon the name of Jesus in faith. It is as close as your heart and mouth. This means that you believe you are righteous and that you don’t allow anyone to make you feel unrighteous. If thoughts of condemnation or inferiority flood your mind, you overcome — 10 —

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them by speaking aloud what the Wo rd says about your righteousness. The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:8-10

Death Has No Sting for You! When you invite Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior, you have received the gift of eternal life and enter into the kingdom of God! When the time comes for you, or someone you know, to cross over into heaven, you don’t have to be fearful.

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Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled Life after death does not have to be troubling to anyone. Jesus said in John 14:1-4: Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.

When a person reaches the end of his life or is challenged by a life-threatening illness, the individual and those around them may be fearful of death. Sometimes in a person’s fight against sickness, the individual becomes tired. Often the individual catches a glimpse of heaven and sees how good it looks. At this point, it’s easy for the person to quit fighting and step on over to the other side. — 12 —

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In the above verses, Jesus is telling us not to be afraid of death. He is letting us know what we can expect when we arrive in heaven. There are many dwelling places there. Jesus said that He has gone ahead to prepare a place for you. He has made a place for everyone who has been born again by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior. In verse 3 above, Jesus says that He will receive you unto Himself. When you die, you will be with Jesus. This is comforting to know for yourself and for your loved ones. To be absent from the body is to be present with Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:6-8.) No wonder Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Having the knowledge that your loved one is with Jesus should give you peace. Even though you may miss the person, he or she is with Jesus, enjoying a continuation of life in a different place. If you do not have peace about your eternal destination, ask Jesus to come into — 13 —

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your heart. If a loved one has died, you cannot a ffect his or her life today; but you can allow Jesus to transform your heart. It all happens by faith. Faith believes what God has said. Faith a g rees with God. Faith speaks what God speaks. Faith obeys God’s Word. You can release your faith now by believing and speaking these words: Heavenly Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross to take away my sins. I also believe that He rose again from the dead so that I might be forgiven of my sins and be made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You and ask that You fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare that right now I am a child of God. I am free from sin and full of the — 14 —

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righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By praying this prayer, you never have to fear where you will go when you die. Your eternal destination will be with Jesus in heaven. Welcome to the family of God!

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Jesus Took Away the Fear of Death Since we, God’s children, are human beings—made of flesh and blood—He became flesh and blood too by being born in human form; for only as a human being could He die and in dying break the power of the devil who had the power of death. Only in that way could he deliver those who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dre a d . Hebrews 2:14,15 TLB

It was out of love that God sent His Son to the earth in the form of a man. Jesus was obedient to God’s will for His life and willingly went to the cross so you could be free from the oppression of the devil. After He died and went to hell, He took the keys of hell and death away from Satan. (Rev. 1:18.) Because Jesus now has the keys of death, you no longer have to fear dying. You know what is beyond the veil of death. — 16 —

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When the time comes, you can confidently cross over into eternity. Likewise, when a family member or friend crosses over to the other side, you know that they are in a much better place. They are not gone forever. It is only a matter of time when you will see them again. Your eyes have now been opened to see that Jesus is there to welcome your family, friends, and you into heaven.

Sorrow Not as Those Who Have No Hope We should not allow grief to consume us when a loved one or a close friend has died. Your life should not end when someone else dies. Remember, that individual would want you to continue living to your fullest potential. Even in situations where someone has been murdered or died in a senseless accident, it’s important that you use the pain you feel to propel you forward rather than letting your life end by being consumed with grief and — 17 —

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d e p ression. In the beginning, it may be difficult; but as you keep moving forward, you will eventually be able to help others who have gone through similar situations. In the following verses, the Apostle Paul shares what happens to a Christian when the individual dies. He did not want the person left behind to “be full of sorrow.” He also goes on to describe a future event that will affect everyone on the earth. And now, dear brothers, I want you to know what happens to a Christian when he dies so that when it happens, you will not be full of sorrow, as those are who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and then came back to life again, we can also believe that when Jesus re t u rns, God will bring back with Him all the Christians who have died. I can tell you this directly f rom the Lord: that we who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet Him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord Himself will come down fro m heaven with a mighty shout and with the — 18 —

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soul-stirring cry of the archangel and the g reat trumpet-call of God. And the believers who are dead will be the first to rise to meet the Lord. Then we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with this news. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 TLB

The latter verses describe what is called the Rapture. This is a time when the physical bodies of Christians will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air. Even the bodies of those who have died will be resurrected. Those who are alive will be changed in a moment. In the twinkling of an eye, they will be transformed into glorified bodies. This is a word of encouragement. The Bible says to comfort one another with these words. There is a great future ahead for you and for all believers. Death is not the end! — 19 —

Scriptures The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: there f o re with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. John 16:27 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). Ephesians 2:4,5 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have — 20 —

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not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil. Hebrews 6:17-19 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;). Hebrews 10:23 Cast not away there f o re your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will — 21 —

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not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:35-39 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 [For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago]. [It is that purpose and grace] which He now has made known and has fully disclosed and made real [to us] through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who annulled death and made it of no effect and brought life and immortality (immunity from eternal death) to light through the Gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9,10 AMP — 22 —

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Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my [sad] countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:5 AMP I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6 — 23 —

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Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. Proverbs 14:32 NIV And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. Luke 16:22 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, — 24 —

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or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Philippians 1:20-23 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:20 — 25 —

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Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. John 6:53 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be re c o v e red, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him. 2 Samuel 14:14 NIV

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If you prayed the prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior for the first time, please contact us on the Web at www.harrisonhouse.com to receive a free book. Or you may write to us at: Harrison House P.O. Box 35035 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74153

About the Author Billy Joe Daughert y, along with his wife, S h a ron, founded and pastors Vi c t o ry Christian Center, a church of more than 14,000 members in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ministries of the church include Victory Christian School, a K-12 program with more than 2,000 students; Vi c t o ry Bible Institute, which p rovides ministerial training both in the classroom and online; Wo rd Explosion, a major inspirational and training event that draws over 50,000 p a rticipants each year; and Victory in Jesus, a daily television broadcast hosted by Billy Joe and Sharon.

To contact Billy Joe Daugherty please write to: Victory Christian Center 7700 S. Lewis Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136 Phone: 918-491-7700 Or visit him on the Web at: www.victory.com

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