An odd statement?
In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,
“A good name is better that perfumed oil
and the day of death better than the day of birth."
Ecclesiastes 7:1.
The first part of this scripture portion is easy to understand. A good name in this world is far better than anything else the world has to offer.
At first glance however the last portion of this scripture “the day of death better than the day of birth” seems odd. But is it?
From my standpoint as a believer in Christ Jesus. One who truly believes in God I can understand why the writer of Ecclesiastes said “the day of death is better than the day of birth.”
The logic being if we truly have faith in God death becomes a transition between this life with all its trials and tribulations and the eternal life in heaven where trials and tribulations are no
more.
On the day of our birth into this life by contrast, we must walk an earthly path that not only has good times but also bad times.
So the question becomes are you ready for the day of your death?
On the day Jesus was crucified with two criminals we read in Luke’s gospel,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'"
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43.
The criminal who asked Jesus to remember him showed what we must do to have eternal life.
1/ He confessed his sins.
The apostle John writing,
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9.
2/He believed in his heart that Jesus was the Messiah.
The apostle Paul writing,
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10: 9,10.
Thus my question to you, Do you believe this?
Please think about it.
