One of the most haunting songs has to be the old mountain song “O Death.”  Most of us are probably familiar with Ralph Stanley’s a capella version made famous in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou.

In this lifetime, we certainly know death.  On this Memorial Day as we remember the servicemen and service women who died for the USA, I thought it would be appropriate for us to look at the doctrine of death from the Bible.

Before we jump into these Bible truths, can I just say that I hate death?  Death is a punk and a bully.  However, I probably don’t hate it as badly as some of you do.  I’ve lost very few loved ones to death, and none before they were retirement age.  But, some of you have lost very close ones, even spouses and children, even at a young age.  I hate death, but some of you really hate death.  I’m glad God will soon put it under His feet!

Here are 10 truths from the Bible about death:

1. Death is an interloper—an intruder—into the world that had no part in the beginning of time.  (Genesis 1-2)
2. Death is a curse by God upon sinners.  (Genesis 3)
3. Death is a grace to sinners in that God doesn’t allow us to live in sin perpetually.  (Genesis 3:22-24)
4. Death is what we have earned.  (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
5. Death is a powerful motivator to come to Christ before we die in our sins and face judgment.  (John 8:24)
6. Death comes in two stages:  physical and eternal.  (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 13:36-43)
7. Death’s power is held by the devil.  (Hebrews 2:14-15)
8. Death is overcome by the death of Jesus for all who believe on Him.  (John 3:16)
9. Death’s sting is removed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)
10. Death will soon be trampled under God’s feet and has no part in the age to come.  (1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Revelation 21:1-4; Isaiah 2:1-4)

I’m longing for the day when death will be done and when weapons will be transformed in farm implements!  Tanks might be tractors, Apache helicopters might be crop dusters, and M-16’s might be tomato stakes!  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!!  But, until then we remember and honor those who died before us, especially those of the US Armed Forces.