What Happens After Death Part 3

Dr Victor Pearce

'Arise, shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See darkness is on the land and deep darkness on the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.' We live in days when this scripture is beginning to be fulfilled. But the time of darkness and light together, will bring about a greater time of 'spiritual warfare' and will necessitate a deeper call to prayer. To help us get a sense of the power of prayer and the revealing of God during warfare we need look no further than WWI and WWII. These were extraordinary days in our nation to live through. Dr Victor Pearce (now 94) lived in both wars and chronicled the amazing stories of the revealing of the power of prayer and the intervention of the Lord during warfare. This is the fifth in a series of articles revealing these stories. I think you will be moved and inspired, and I pray the Spirit of God will speak into your spirit through what you read - Jonathan Bellamy, Cross Rhythms CEO.

Overcoming Embarrassment When Visiting The Dying

Do you feel awkward when visiting someone with terminal illness? That's understandable, yet the Lord Jesus told us to visit those who are ill. Perhaps some advice may help.

You may be afraid of saying anything, which suggests they're dying. As a matter of fact, it's been shown that most terminal patients know that they are dying. They don't like this conspiracy of silence. Why? Because they would like to be ready for death. They'd like to leave their things in order and their soul in order. Also conspiracy to silence robs families of their most precious moments.

But how do you broach the subject? Sometimes the patient will hint himself, but if not, an easy way is to ask him if there's anything worrying him. Get him to give you the lead. He may mention material things at first, but then you can ask him if he is at peace.

First, is he at peace with other people, or are there memories which trouble him? Does he need to ask somebody's forgiveness? Does he want you to write to someone on his behalf? Forgiveness brings peace with man and God. You can then ask if he's asked God's forgiveness.

This question can open up all his soul's need. Depending on how much he knows of the gospel, you can explain the way of salvation. Perhaps he did not realise that he could be certain of salvation because Jesus bore his punishment for him in his place. He needs to tell God how sorry he is and accept Jesus as his Saviour, and the free gift of full forgiveness. 'The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ your Lord' (Romans 6:23).

But what if the patient is in a coma. He seems unconscious. Some people make the mistake of thinking people in comas can't hear and they talk about all kinds of unwise things in front of them.

Don't do that! Talk to him in loving and kind words, just as if he can hear. Explain salvation to him. Say slowly a prayer of acceptance of Jesus. I've known some who've been brought back from death's door and who've then told me they heard all that I said.

Patients have said that they felt their spirit had left their body, but could hear all that was going on for a short time. If this is true, the one you are with could hear you telling him how to be saved.

Taking Away The Fear Of Death

People avoid the subject of death, and nobody wants to tell a person that he's dying - so they say; and yet a questionnaire reveals that eighty-one per cent are anxious to know how it affects them - I mean in the after life.

Do you think that this reveals a hidden fear?

Hebrew 5:7 tells you that the Lord Jesus knew this fear. It reads: 'In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and entreaties with strong entreaty and tears to him who was to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.'