Counsels on Wellness

Counsel #28 — Trusting God in Death

Picture: Counsel #28 — Trusting God in Death CWe 30.1

“Faithful unto death.” It’s seen throughout Scripture. The Apostles literally walked into situations where they knew they might die, but they trusted God and the Spirit’s guidance unwaveringly. Think about the serious persecution Peter and Paul faced! Real, tangible threats were made on their lives! And yet, they stayed firm in their faith. CWe 30.2

Looking at church history, we see the same thing with the Protestant Reformers. They faced intense pressure to recant their religious views, but they chose to stand for what they believed was the truth, even if it meant execution.^[34] CWe 30.3

This trust in God is not just historical, either. The Archbishop of Canterbury recently shared how even Queen Elizabeth II, a figure of immense authority and privilege, held a deep, personal faith in God that completely removed her fear of death.^[35] CWe 30.4

Trusting God in the face of death isn’t superhuman strength or an unawareness of danger. It’s being so loyal to Jesus and grateful for His sacrifice on our behalf, that we would choose death before giving up our faith in Him. That’s the kind of trust I want to have. How about you? CWe 30.5

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 CWe 30.6

“[At the place of his martyrdom], the apostle [Paul] was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty or dread, but with joyous hope and longing expectation.” Ellen White in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 512 CWe 30.7

Reflect: How does your understanding of eternal life impact your attitude toward death? CWe 30.8