Can We Cheat Death?

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Can a person cheat death? Why does God prevent humans from dying in the End Time?

You may be able to cheat many things, but if you could cheat death, you would be the first person ever to do so. However, why would you want to when there is such an astonishing future waiting for you?

Regarding death itself, the New Testament is clear that God has decreed all humans have been appointed to die and then receive judgment (1Corinthians 15:22, Hebrews 9:27). No one has the power to cheat the grim reaper. Since God is all-powerful, he has the ability to make whatever he says happen.

Even the world's oldest person in the modern era (a woman who lived 122 years) and the oldest person in history (Methuselah, who lived almost a thousand years) could not escape the Eternal's determination that death must come to all.

The apostle Paul wrote about death and resurrection in his first letter to the Corinthians. He used the analogy of a grain of wheat, which, when planted, dies. However, he states, dying must occur before the grain is transformed into a glorious stalk of wheat with many grains in its head (1Corinthians 15:36 - 38). Jesus himself stated that very soon ALL who are dead will hear his voice and be resurrected (John 5:28 - 29).

Triumph of the Grim Reaper
Triumph of Death
Juan de Valdes Leal, 1670 - 72

When Christ returns to earth, those who have done what is right will be resurrected and given a glorious body that can never again die, or even be sick or injured (1Corinthians 15:51 - 54). Paul wrote that NO ONE has seen, nor heard, nor even imagined the absolutely amazing and wonderful things which God has prepared for those who love him (1Corinthians 2:9, see also Isaiah 64:4).

In Matthew 17:1 - 2 three of Jesus' disciples saw him transformed before their eyes. His face appeared like the sun, and his clothing was white as the light. John gives an expanded view saying his hair is white as snow, his eyes burn like fire, his feet are like fine brass, and his voice is powerful. Why is this important? This is how those who are resurrected from death into eternal life will look (1John 3:2)!

In the kingdom of God anything you want to do, based on a heart founded entirely on love, will be possible. Jesus said that he came to the earth so that humans might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). This refers not only to today, but more so in the resurrection.

Do they escape death?

Some humans in the end time WILL seem to have been able to cheat the grave, at least for a short time. Just before the second coming of Jesus, God will perform a unique miracle. He will not allow certain people to die or to kill themselves no matter how many times they try. Why will he do this?

And in those days men will seek death but will not find it; and they will desire to die, but death will flee from them (Revelation 9:6, HBFV).

The human race will have become incredibly hard-hearted during the period known as the Great Tribulation. Even after suffering the ravages of a world war, famine, sickness and a host of other trials there will be survivors who will still refuse to repent of their sins and worship the true God (Revelation 9:20 - 21, 16:9).

These survivors have become so calloused in their conscience that they would rather commit suicide than repent. God, however, will not let that happen! He will miraculously make them indestructible (for a short time) to show them that he indeed runs the universe and that they will not get out of this life without repenting!

Because of God's plan and purpose, no one will ever be able to cheat death as a flesh and blood human. For those willing to believe in him and follow his ways, however, the passing of their life is but a short pause before they are given total victory over the grave (1Corinthians 15:54 - 55)!

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