Introduction

I. An atheist’s prayer as he neared death: “O Lord, if there be a Lord, save my soul, if I have a soul.” Is that how we wish to approach our final hour?

II. 1 Kings 2:2 – David knew death was near. Could he be strong? How could he, or any of us, say “It is well with my soul” as we approach that hour?

Discussion

I. Man’s Frantic Struggle With Death

A. Beautiful monuments to a fearful reality:

1. Cemeteries in New Orleans are beautiful! But the reality inside each one is fearful.

2. Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 – This passage is a beautiful monument to aging and death. But the reality is frightening!

B. Must we be terrified by death?

1. 2 Kings 20:2,3 – King Hezekiah wept bitterly and prayed. God heard his prayer and saw his tears, and gave him more life. (But he was still mortal.)

2. Job’s meditations on death:

a. Job 14:14 – Will a man live again after death?

b. Job 19:25-27 – He knew that his Redeemer lived, and had a hope for life “after my skin is destroyed”.

c. Job 30:23 – He knew his mortality all too well.

3. “Thanatopsis” by William Cullen Bryant has comforted many. But is there any real substance upon which to rest that comfort?

C. Hebrews 9:27 – We all have an appointment with death (unless the Lord returns before that time). Only two in history have avoided death.

II. It Is Well With My Soul In My Final Hour

A. Do any of us know when that final hour will arrive for us? How wise we are to make preparations in advance!

B. Assurance given by Christ:

1. Matthew 8:25,26 – The disciples’ fears were calmed by Jesus’ power over the storm. They were afraid because of their “little faith”. Their fears were unnecessary.

2. Romans 6:8,9 – How can we have assurance of life after the grave? This passage gives the key.

3. John 11:23-26 – Jesus not only claimed to be “the resurrection and the life; He proved it by raising Lazarus from the dead.

C. The good news about death declared by Jesus:

1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – The gospel (good news) is based on Jesus’ own death, burial and resurrection.

2. 1 Corinthians 15:22,23 – What a difference it makes to be “in Christ”! Death is not the final chapter of a Christian’s life.

3. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 – Because of Christ, death has no victory, no sting, for the Christian.

4. 2 Timothy 1:10 – What Job hoped for has now been brought “to light through the gospel”.

D. Revelation 14:13 – Death becomes a blessing for those who die in Christ.

Conclusion

I. 2 Corinthians 5:4-8 – Aging can be painful and death can be frightening. But God “has prepared us for this very thing”. To be away from the body is to be at home with God!

II. “For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life, Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.”

III. In the final hour, if I am in Christ, it will be well with my soul!