Death: Myths and Truth

By Pastor Larry Frazier

Benjamin Franklin, an American diplomat and publisher once said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” That has been an enduring quote throughout the years. Just as are some of the superstitions about death that remain in our society. This article will present some beliefs and practices concerning death, and finally explore death from the words of the Bible.

Some superstitions about death are aimed at protecting the living from the spirit of the deceased. Mirrors were covered after death because the first person to see their reflection would be the next to die. Family pictures were turned face down to keep the living from being possessed by the spirit of the deceased. Veils were worn to hide the mourner’s identity, protecting them from the dead. Tombstones were made large to not only mark the grave but also to keep the spirit from escaping. Thunder after a funeral means the deceased entered heaven. Tossing a pinch of spilled salt over the left shoulder blinds the devil and keeps him from taking control. Whistling in a cemetery summons the devil.

These sayings, no doubt, are embraced to various extents by people. One thing is certain, however: from the time we are born death is in our future. Bob Dylan said, “He who is not busy being born is busy dying.” Michael Landon’s words of wisdom are, “Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows.” Somewhat humorously, Benjamin Franklin said, “Death takes no bribes.” Sayings can be thought-provoking, even entertaining.

The Rev. Dr. Alvin Barry, President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, answered the question “What is death?” “The Bible teaches that death is not an annihilation in which we cease to exist. The Scriptures teach that death is the separation of our eternal soul from our mortal bodies. Our bodies rest in the grave, awaiting the final day when soul and body shall be reunited. At the moment of death our souls and the souls of all those who die in faith, immediately are in the presence of Christ, and will enjoy His presence, peace, and joy until the great day of the resurrection of all flesh.”

Job 14:5 says, “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” Jesus Christ gives words of reassurance in John 6:37-39, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.”

The following verses further help our understanding of death. Proverbs 14:27 says “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” From 2 Timothy 1:10, “But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

John 5:24 says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”