Is there a life after death? What does it feel like to hover between life and death? Are the near-death experiences we often hear about real or merely figments of our imagination? These are some of the questions that swirl around the enigmatic topic of near-death experiences.
Beyond the Earthly Realm
Countless individuals claim to have had near-death experiences, where they glimpsed into the otherworldly realms of heaven or hell before being whisked back into the realm of the living. However, these stories remain shrouded in mystery. We cannot truly validate them, and intriguingly, the Bible is silent about such sojourns into the afterlife and subsequent returns, with the notable exception of Jesus Christ.
He descended from heaven, was born of a virgin, crucified, and resurrected on the third day. Apostle Paul too referenced a man who “was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter” (2nd Cor 12:3-4). Despite these biblical accounts, it is essential to remember that they don’t offer clear-cut details about the afterlife.
The Threshold of Mortality
Let’s delve into near-death experiences, which are distinct from stories of dying and coming back to life. Near-death situations occur when individuals teeter on the brink of death but don’t cross the threshold. They’re not the same as those who have been declared dead and then miraculously return to life.
Those who have these near-death experiences often recount extraordinary tales. As captivating as these stories may be, they cannot be entirely corroborated, and their implications remain ambiguous. Can we construct a doctrine based on these experiences? Certainly not, as they may not align with the Word of God.
The Unseen Frontier
While we can’t conclusively affirm the authenticity of near-death experiences, we cannot entirely dismiss them either. Some could be hoaxes, while others remain inexplicable mysteries. It’s entirely plausible that some individuals may have had such vivid dreams or visions during their brush with death that they truly believed they were there.
However, the real danger lies in allowing these stories to overshadow our focus on the Bible and Jesus Christ. Any narrative that shifts our attention away from Jesus is not beneficial. Although these tales may intrigue us and even provoke thought, they cannot and should not replace the Word of God.
The Immutable Truth
What we can affirm with certainty is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He tasted death for each of us to spare us from the second death – the lake of fire – as depicted in the Book of Revelation (Rev 20:14-15).
How does one avoid the second death? The answer is unequivocal. As stated by Apostle Paul, salvation comes from confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection (Rom 10:9-13). If you have faith in Christ, death no longer poses a barrier between you and God, and nothing can ever separate you from His love (Rom 8:38).
In conclusion, while near-death experiences may remain a mystery, the surety of our faith in Jesus Christ offers a clear path to salvation and eternal life with God. It is this immutable truth that should guide and shape our lives.
