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One Week To Live
Bible study on salvation and the brevity of life.

I recently went to a funeral. For days after the funeral I thought about death. I thought about the fact that one day my body will be lying in a casket as people come by and see it one last time. I also tried to imagine the funeral service as well as the grave and headstone.

I thought about Paul saying: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement" (Heb. 9:27). And, "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; . . ." (2 Cor. 5:10-11).

One morning, as I was lying in bed trying to wake up, I thought about death. What is it like to die; to close my eyes to wake again in spiritual life having left my mortal body? Then, I wondered what I would do if I knew that I had just one week to live.

What would you do if you had just one week to live?

In a practical sense, you may check your life insurance policy or fix up the house one last time. You may communicate your finances to your spouse or children; and you may make your burial arrangements. You may fill your week hugging and kissing those you love; and you may call friends to say goodbye. Maybe there are apologies you have not made; and maybe there are sins of which you have not repented, confessed, and asked forgiveness.

Perhaps you have wanted to encourage a brother or sister that is weak, but you have not found the time. Maybe you have someone in mind with whom to share the gospel, but you have been too busy. And maybe you have put off training your children or encouraging your spouse in the Lord - just not enough time.

Would your priorities change if you knew that death was in seven days? Even if you had to work or go to school during the week, would your priorities change? Would assembling with the saints be a priority? Would you go to church on Sunday and to Bible studies? Or, would you wait and let a loved one call the church after your death?

What about your mental state of mind? If you knew you were going to die in seven days, would you be happy or sad; rejoice or shed tears of sorrow; be confident or apprehensive? Has love towards God removed fear (1 Jn. 4:18) because you have obeyed His commands (1 Jn. 5:3)?

Think about this: A person is ready to die when he knows he has one week to live and yet changes nothing. He will pray the same as in past weeks, study God's word the same as in past weeks, assemble with the saints the same as in past weeks. Yes, he may be hard-hearted and worthy of the wrath of God. But if he has a humble heart to which God gives grace (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5), he is ready to meet the Lord in judgement.

Now think about this: The things I would do (in relationship to God), knowing it was my last week to live, are the things I should be doing this week - whether I live or die.

A humble person will be honest with himself and realize that he needs to change - no one is perfect. But, if that thing which you need to change will keep you from eternal life, you need to change it today. The reality of this exercise is that I may die at any moment and without notice. "For what is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (Jas. 4:14).

Now ask yourself: Am I ready to die? If not, why not get ready today - tomorrow may never come.