Prepare for death! There is no repentance in the grave

Editor: The wise man Solomon instructs us of the diligence with which we must execute our activities while we live. He tells us “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Eccl.9:10). Not only do those words clearly inform us of the destination of the dead, but they also admonish us of our need to do right while we have life.{{more}}

Many families throughout our country have suffered great sorrows through the loss of their loved ones during this year. In fact, the year is just in its seventh month and some have dubbed it “a year of tragedy in SVG.” Some have lost members through sudden death, murder and otherwise. Regardless of the circumstance, family background, academic achievement of the persons, one thing is common among them all. They are all dead! Unfortunately, in an attempt to ‘soothe’ the pain of the bereft, sympathizers including some religious leaders, may say that the dead “is in the arms of Jesus…in heaven with angels…looking down on their loved ones.” This, however, is giving the grieving a false hope. The truth is “the dead know not anything…their love, and their hatred, and their envy is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun…The dead praise not the LORD…”( Eccl 9:5,6; Psalm 115:17). They stay in the grave until ‘a set time’, according to Job. We know that this ‘set tine’ is the resurrection, when they will be resurrected unto eternal life or damnation, depending on the way they lived (see Luke 5:29).

Knowing this, it behooves us, the living, to live for our Maker right now, without delay. Death has no boundaries. The young are not exempt. We must repent now, allow the Saviour to make us sin-free and live for Him moment by moment by His grace. Friends, there is no repentance in the grave and there is no second chance. The time is NOW.

To the bereaved family members and friends, may God comfort your hearts by His Holy Spirit that you may be able to victoriously endure your loss. Look to Jesus who is able to give you inward grace and strength for your salvation and sustenance. Remember that you “can do all things through Christ” who strengthens you. The dead already had their chance. You cannot do anything now to change circumstances, to change how they have lived, to warn them, to encourage them etc. You can ensure that you prepare for death. You can ensure that you repent now, knowing that there is no repentance in the grave. What will you do?

Ann-Marie Ballantyne
svgpatriot@hotmail.com