Torch, Winter 1981

• The Greatest Mystery of Life by President Paul Dixon ~hat men fear is not that death is annihila– tion--but that it is not. So stated Epicurius many years ago. How very , very true! And men do fear dying . It is without doubt the greatest mystery of life. We know less, talk less, write less, and read less on this subject than most all others . Seeming!y, we just do not care to face the reality of the "last appointment." In recent years, the writings of Elisabeth Kubler– Ross, Raymond Moody , and a few others have at– tempted to answer some of the questions about dying . But, the one book that has all the right answers is the Bible. Recently, I was on a plane flying across the coun– try. At one point during the flight , the stewardess sat down next to me for a few moments . When I asked if she would go to .heaven when she died, the response was typical: I don't think about that. I simply live my life to the fullest now. After all, the grave is the endfor all of us. Oh, no, I replied, 'it is appointed unto men once to die and after that the judgment.' If we die with ourfaith in Jesus Christ, we shall live eternally with Him . To die without that saving faith is to lose your soul forever. The best preparation for death is a spiritual prepa– ration . On a cemetery marker was written: Our heart is beating a funeral march to the grave . Another stimulat– ing epitaph was: Remember, friend, as you pass by , As you are now, so once was I . As I am now, so you will be : Prepare for death and follow me . When first married and yet a college student, I penned these verses on the inside of my closet door: Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days , what it is; that I may know how frail I am . .. mine age is as nothing before thee ... (Psalm 39:4-5b) . Life is short. Death is imminent for all of us . The person without Christ must receive Him now as Sav– iour. The Christian must redeem the time, for life is tru- 1y that .. . vapour that appeareth for but a short time and then vanisheth away. At Cedarville College we want to help you face some of death's realities . This issue of the TORCH is designed accordingly. Our prayer is that it will be prof– itable to you and your family . 3