Section 1166
Thirdly, Death is very terrible to nature, and to natural men
The philosopher calls it, the must terrible of all terribles. And the wise man, when he suggests what is most grievous, distressing, and intolerable, says, “What is more bitter than death? “ Ecclesiastes 7:26. To Christless sinners, death is the king of terrors; and even some gracious persons are all their lifetime, through fear of death, subject to bondage; but as formidable as it is, there are some things which may serve to fortify us against the fears of death as, 1. That the sting of death is taken away by Christ; which is sin: and a very venomous sting it is; and death, thus armed, is to be feared. But, when its sting is taken out, it is not to be dreaded: any insect with a sting we are naturally afraid of, but, if its sting is drawn, we have no fear of it, though it flies and buzzes about us; the believer way sing and say, Death where is thy sting? and be fearless of it. 2. It is a blessing and privilege to a believer, it is reckoned among his privileges, 1 Corinthians 3:22, they are blessed that die in the Lord; and are more happy than the saints alive, because free from sin and sorrow, Revelation 14:13. Ecclesiastes 4:2. 3. Death is but once, and soon over; the bitterness of it is quickly past, and will never be repeated; it is appointed to men once to die, and no more. 4. The consideration of the resurrection from the dead, may yield comfort in the view of death; as it did to Job, chapter 19:26, 27, the body, though a vile body as laid in the grave, will be raised, and fashioned like to the glorious body of Christ. It will be raised in incorruption: this corruptible shall put on incorruption. It will be raised in glory, like Christ; it will be raised in power and be durable, and always remain in a state of immortality. It will be raised a spiritual body, and so more fit for spiritual services than ever, 1 Corinthians 15:42, 43, so that the saints will be no loosers, but gainers by death; and need not fear it. 5. Be it that death is an enemy, as it is contrary to nature; it is the last enemy that shall be destroyed; and, when that is conquered, the victory will be complete over every enemy, sin, satan, the world, death and the grave, 1 Corinthians 15:26, 55, 57. Thanks, therefore, to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.