MUST THE YOUNG DIE TOO?
The above title is borrowed from the title of the book: Must The Young die too? By Bro. Wyatt Sawyer. Bro. Sawyer, a faithful gospel preacher, deceased in April of this year at the age of 88. This article is not about that book, even though I recommend it very highly, but about the fact that death is no respecter of persons. The Bible states, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12). Bible students are well acquainted with these words, “And as it is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).
However, being aware of these passages doesn’t relieve the pain when someone of a young age dies. When one dies it brings to mind the sin of Adam and Eve. Because of their sin men die. Even though the Psalmist wrote, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten…” (Ps. 90:10) doesn’t mean that everyone will live to be seventy or “…if by reason of strength they be fourscore year…” (Ps. 90:10) they will live to be eighty. The young die too. Babies decease. Young men in their prime of life, because of war, die. Disease takes its toll upon the young. So how do we cope when one who is young dies?
Remember that this physical life is not all there is. “For we know that, if our earthly tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1). For the Christian, one who has been baptized for the remission of sins, has a better home, a more beautiful place to live without pain, sorrow or suffering (Rev. 21:4). For babies who are sinless or for the young who have reached the age of accountability and have obeyed the gospel this promise is valid and we rejoice in it.
Remember the words of Solomon. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc.12:13).
Remember God sent His son to overcome the sin of Adam and Eve and thus death. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Yes, the blood of Jesus saves (Eph. 1:7).
Yes, the young and the old have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
Larry