4th September

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9, 27 & 28

The door of eternity

This perspective should lead man put his life into order with God without delay. Every man has incurred a heavy debt which he cannot discharge himself.

We know that in order to get rid of this debt, it would be enough to believe that Jesus Christ has paid it instead of us at the cross and so receive the definite receipt. When the process server knocks on the door it is to late: one has to follow him, to go to court, appear before the supreme judge to pour out one's sins and to hear him pronouncing a judgement without appeal.

However, for the believer death is more an aspect of a door which opens to let him enter near to Jesus. His body is put into earth but his soul is introduced into paradise in the presence of Jesus.

The Christian who lives in the presence of the Lord doesn't feel any terror in presenting himself at the door of heaven. He also knows that the presence of the good shepherd, his care and his mercy will accompany him so far.

Besides, the believer doesn't expect death but Jesus himself, his Saviour who will soon come back to fetch those who belong to him. Let us really live in this expectation by rejoicing and by thinking of the joy of the Lord when he will gather together those he loves.