{"id":87238,"date":"2024-03-27T16:00:27","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T00:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=87238"},"modified":"2024-03-27T05:14:28","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T13:14:28","slug":"dealings-with-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/doctrine\/dealings-with-death\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with death"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n(Unsplash photo)<\/em><\/p>\n

COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

Several of us have been dealing with more death issues than usual recently.<\/p>\n

A few weeks ago my wife and I attended the funeral of my geographically nearest relative. She was a smoker and basically died of lung cancer. She would have been 85 this week. That said, she had long been my favorite relative outside my immediate family, and according to some of her children, she felt the same way about me. Anyway, she was nominally Roman Catholic and at the funeral the priest mentioned places like purgatory, which, of course, does not exist (see also Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory?<\/a>). Purgatory was essentially a replacement for what early Christians believed after the Roman Catholic Church dropped the teaching of apocatastasis (see also Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God\u2019s plan of salvation<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Last week, the troubled (cf. Acts 9:5) Aleksandar ‘Sasha’ Veljic died (see\u00a0Aleksandar \u2018Sasha\u2019 Veljic died<\/a>). I have known of him since 1994 and started communicating with him directly since about 2015.\u00a0After leaving WCG, Sasha was once part of UCG, then COG aic, then independent, then CCOG, and then left to become the leader of ‘Hope of Israel.’<\/p>\n

This week, the niece of a member died. I did not know her, but the member I have known for some time. She also lost her sister a few years ago.<\/p>\n

Then there are wars and deaths impacting people in many lands including Israel, Gaza, Russia, Ukraine, the Congo, Somalia, Haiti, etc.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, yesterday, a cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and reportedly six people likely died (see Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses, government rules out terrorism, former general won\u2019t<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Strangely, also yesterday, my wife received notification that a younger dear friend had been killed in an automobile accident by a drunk driver. What was strange was:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. My wife received notification when the most recent post at the COGwriter Church of God News site was: \u2018Expect that you will see deep fake ads, social media posts, and links\u2019<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. My wife later found out that this accident did not happen, her friend was alive, and somebody put out a fake post on social media.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Now as far as death goes, I recently made a post titled:\u00a0Why Do Christian People Die?<\/a><\/p>\n

    The webmaster (Gary Leonard) at the anti-COG site Banned by HWA<\/em> posted against what that article scripturally teaches.<\/p>\n

    And while he despises the late Herbert W. Armstrong, he posted the following suggesting that I contradicted him on death:<\/p>\n

    HWA made a statement I remember, something about: “no, death is not a friend, but an enemy!”<\/p>\n

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    \"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

    And Bob’s article too many times cites death as being “welcome” or logical or needed or well-timed, & not even HWA would refer to death as a “friend”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Now, my article never called death a “friend” and the word “welcome” is not in the article.<\/div>\n

    But the article does have the following:<\/p>\n

    The Bible teaches:<\/p>\n

    1 The righteous perishes,
    \nAnd no man takes it to heart;
    \nMerciful men are taken away,
    \nWhile no one considers
    \nThat the righteous is taken away from evil.
    \n2 He shall enter into peace;
    \nThey shall rest in their beds,
    \nEach one walking in his uprightness. (Isaiah 57:1-2)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Notice that when God\u2019s people die, they rest. As other scriptures show, death is like sleep.<\/p>\n

    Why do they die when they do?<\/p>\n

    Because they die when it is best for them. …<\/p>\n

    The New Testament teaches:<\/p>\n

    28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    All things would include death.<\/p>\n

    Notice also:<\/p>\n

    13 The Lord looks from heaven;
    \nHe sees all the sons of men.
    \n14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
    \nOn all the inhabitants of the earth;
    \n15 He fashions their hearts individually;
    \nHe considers all their works.\u00a0 (Psalm 33:13-15)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    God considers all our works and has all work together best for us.<\/p>\n

    Because of that, it has long been my view that God has people die when it is spiritually best for them as well as for those who knew the deceased.<\/p>\n

    God is love (1 John 4:8,16).<\/p>\n

    What God does and allows is ALWAYS motivated by love\u2013EVEN IF WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9).<\/p>\n

    Love is why He sent Jesus to die for us:<\/p>\n

    16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    The truth is that people die when it is best for them.<\/p>\n

    Does that contradict what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote?<\/p>\n

    No.<\/p>\n

    The quote from the Banned by HWA<\/em> site actually comes from the 12th chapter of Herbert Armstrong’s book The Incredible Human Potential<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    No, death is not a friend, but an ENEMY! Christ came to DESTROY DEATH \u2014 to make a happy, peaceful, abundant life possible for all \u2014 for each in his own due time. He came that we might have LIFE, “and have it more abundantly.”<\/p>\n

    There most certainly is life after death \u2014 and Christ made possible a transcendent human potential so great it seems incredible. He came to DIE in our stead \u2014 to pay the penalty we have incurred for us, and to GIVE US LIFE!
    \nChrist Himself taught that there is LIFE AFTER DEATH.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Herbert Armstrong taught that Christians will have life after death “for each in his own due time.”<\/span><\/p>\n

    Which means?<\/p>\n

    While he did not directly teach it, his writings support that truth that people die at the time it is best for them.<\/p>\n

    The truth about the timing of death has been restored in the Continuing<\/em> Church of God.<\/p>\n

    Last Sabbath, Steve Dupuie and I did a video which is the recommended sermonette for the week:<\/p>\n

    \n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n
    14:42<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    Why Do People Die?<\/a><\/h3>\n

    What does the Bible teach about death? Why do people die? Do all die in Adam? Are the wages of sin death? What is sin? Why do righteous people die? Are people who are dead suffering or are they merely sleeping in their graves awaiting the resurrection? Did Jesus die so we can live again? Is there a time to die? Do people die at the time it is best for them as well as others affected by their death? Does this have biblical support? Is death one of \u201call things that work together for good\u201d? Can death be a form of correction and\/or and end of suffering from God? What about the second death? If we are to be resurrected, why die in the first place? Can this mortal put on immortality and this corruptible put on incorruption? What about love and John\u00a0<\/span>3:16<\/span>? Is there really a glorious eternity ahead? Should we be comforted by prophecies of Jesus\u2019 return and the resurrection? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Here is a link to our video:\u00a0Why Do People Die?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    In that video I read and stated the following:<\/p>\n

    The New Testament teaches:<\/p>\n

    28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    All things would include death.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Steve Dupuie commented that he had not considered that verse that way, but because since God said it and God is not a liar, it must be so.<\/p>\n

    What must be so?<\/p>\n

    People die at the time that it is best for them.<\/p>\n

    So, while there is sorrow with the sting of death, we need to understand that God really does have a plan and that God’s plan is best.<\/p>\n

    There are resurrections after death (Revelation 20:4-13) and Christians are to be comforted by that per 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.<\/p>\n

    Do not let the death of people dissuade you as the Bible also teaches that death will be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26) and there will be \u201cno more death, nor sorrow, or crying\u201d (Revelation 21:4).<\/p>\n

    More on God\u2019s loving plan can be found in the free online book:\u00a0The MYSTERY of GOD\u2019s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Those interested in early Christianity may wish to check out the following to learn more:<\/em><\/p>\n

    What Happens After Death?<\/a>\u00a0Is death like sleep, or is that a cultic idea? Can you speak to the dead? Here is a link to a related sermon:\u00a0What really happens after death?<\/a>
    \n    A Better Resurrection<\/a>\u00a0Is it better to be called now? Is it better to be Philadelphian? Here is a link to a related sermon:\u00a0The Better Resurrection<\/a>.
    \n    What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrections?<\/a>\u00a0Is there more than one future resurrection? Did early Christians teach a physical resurrection? Did early Christians teach three resurrections? Here is a link to a related sermon:\u00a0Understanding the Resurrections<\/a>.
    \n    The Second Death<\/a>\u00a0The New Testament speaks of something called the \u201csecond death.\u201d Who will be subject to it? How does it end? Here is a link to a related sermon:\u00a0First death, Second death<\/a>.
    \n    Study the Bible Course Lesson 15: What is \u201cHell\u201d?<\/a>\u00a0What are the different words translated as \u201chell\u201d in English? Does Gehenna mean something different than Hades. What happens? What about worms dying not?
    \n    Are The Wicked Tormented Forever or Burned Up?<\/a>\u00a0How does one explain Revelation 14:11 in light of Malachi 4:3? What happens to the\u00a0incorrigibly wicked<\/span>?
    \n    Did Early Christians Teach They Were Going to Heaven?<\/a>\u00a0What do the Bible and scholars teach? What about \u2018near-death experiences\u2019? Here is a link to a related sermon:\u00a0Heaven and Christianity<\/a>. A shorter video is\u00a0Dante Aligheri\u2019s Inferno, Heaven, and The Real Hope<\/a>.
    \n    Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality?<\/a>\u00a0What does John 3:16, and other writings, tell us? Did a doctrine kept adopted from paganism? Here is a YouTube video titled\u00a0Are humans immortal?<\/a>
    \n    Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?<\/a>\u00a0Did the original \u201ccatholic church\u201d have doctrines held by the\u00a0Continuing<\/em>\u00a0Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term \u201ccatholic church\u201d to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons:\u00a0Original Catholic Church of God?<\/a>,\u00a0Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover<\/a>,\u00a0What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?<\/a>,\u00a0Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy<\/a>,\u00a0Early Heresies and Heretics<\/a>,\u00a0Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats<\/a>,\u00a0Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more<\/a>,\u00a0Saturday or Sunday?<\/a>,\u00a0The Godhead<\/a>,\u00a0Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession<\/a>,\u00a0Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List<\/a>,\u00a0Holy Mother Church and Heresies<\/a>, and\u00a0Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs<\/a>. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language:\u00a0Creencias de la iglesia Cat\u00f3lica original<\/a>.
    \n    Hope of Salvation: How the\u00a0Continuing<\/em>\u00a0Church of God Differs from Protestantism<\/a>\u00a0The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the\u00a0real\u00a0<\/em>Church of God differs from mainstream\/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available:\u00a0Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History<\/a>;\u00a0The First Protestant, God\u2019s Command, Grace, & Character<\/a>;\u00a0The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon<\/a>;\u00a0Eucharist, Passover, and Easter<\/a>;\u00a0Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism<\/a>;\u00a0Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday<\/a>;\u00a0Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God\u2019s Plan<\/a><\/a>;\u00a0Seventh Day Baptists\/Adventists\/Messianics: Protestant or COG?<\/a>;\u00a0Millennial Kingdom of God and God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/a>;\u00a0Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats<\/a>;\u00a0The Godhead and the Trinity<\/a>;\u00a0Fleeing or Rapture?<\/a>; and\u00a0Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences<\/a>.
    \n    Is God Calling You?<\/a>\u00a0This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons:\u00a0Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU?<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Predestination and Your Selection<\/a>; here is a message in Spanish:\u00a0Me Est\u00e1 Llamando Dios Hoy?<\/a>\u00a0A short animation is also available:\u00a0Is God Calling You?<\/a>
    \n<\/span>    Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God\u2019s plan of salvation<\/a>\u00a0Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived\u2013the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series:\u00a0Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis<\/a>,\u00a0Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved<\/a>,\u00a0Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (<\/a>Universal Offer of Salvation part 3)<\/a>,\u00a0Is God Fair?<\/a>,\u00a0Will God Pardon the Ignorant?<\/a>,\u00a0Can God Save Your Relatives?<\/a>,\u00a0Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God\u2019s Plan<\/a>, and\u00a0\u2018By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets\u2019<\/a>.
    \n    The MYSTERY of GOD\u2019s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?\u00a0<\/a>This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons:\u00a0Mysteries of God\u2019s Plan<\/a>,\u00a0Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God\u2019s Plan<\/a>,\u00a0Mystery of Race<\/a>, and\u00a0The Mystery of YOU<\/a>. Here is a link to two videos in Spanish:\u00a0El Misterio del Plan de Dios<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0El Misterio de Satan\u00e1s, el Misterio de la Verdad, el Misterio del Reposo<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    (Unsplash photo) COGwriter Several of us have been dealing with more death issues than usual recently. A few weeks ago my wife and I attended the funeral of my geographically nearest relative. She was a smoker and basically died of lung cancer. She would have been 85 this week. That said, she had long been […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-doctrine"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t