Eternal death, as understood within Christian theology, refers to the ultimate separation from God and the eternal consequences of sin for those who do not receive salvation through Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in the belief that while physical death is a temporary separation of the soul from the body, eternal death signifies a permanent separation from the presence and grace of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents eternal death as the dire consequence of sin. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse contrasts the outcome of sin—death—with the gift of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of salvation in avoiding eternal death.

The Role of Believers

Believers are called to actively participate in the mission of preserving others from eternal death. This mission is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His followers to spread the Gospel. Matthew 28:19-20 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

Intercession and Evangelism

Intercession and evangelism are key components in striving to preserve others from eternal death. James 5:20 emphasizes the importance of turning sinners from their ways: "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins." This verse underscores the believer's responsibility to guide others toward repentance and faith in Christ.

The Urgency of the Task

The urgency of preserving others from eternal death is highlighted in Jude 1:23 , which advises believers to "save others by snatching them from the fire; and to others show mercy, tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh." This imagery of snatching from the fire conveys the immediate and critical nature of the task.

Living as Witnesses

Believers are also called to live as witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel. In 1 Peter 3:15 , Christians are instructed to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you." By living out their faith authentically, believers can draw others to the hope found in Christ, thereby preserving them from eternal death.

Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit

Prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential in the endeavor to preserve others from eternal death. Believers are encouraged to pray for the salvation of others and to seek the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in their evangelistic efforts. Acts 1:8 promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Conclusion

The call to strive to preserve others from eternal death is a profound responsibility for believers, rooted in the love and compassion of Christ. Through evangelism, intercession, and living as witnesses, Christians are equipped to fulfill this mission, relying on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.James 5:20
Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Feast of a Holy Bishop
... shame and mockery, if he is to preserve it otherwise ... quite pure, yet they ought to
strive to amend ... of self-satisfaction, which causes the eternal death of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxii on the feast.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... "Wherefore," let this stand as an eternal rule, "By ... How long will ye teach the way
of death, and call ... are entering to go in." Them that would "strive to enter ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 32 upon our lords.htm

Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday.
... It is incumbent upon the Christian to preserve his body ... not fear or believe in it
nor strive to obey it ... death, redeemed from sin and from death eternal and are ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter wednesday also suited to.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... concerning that understanding necessary to preserve wisdom, and ... We must strive after
such divine agency and ... Eternal death, the wages of sin, is abolished, and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... if all had been purchased for us, if eternal life and ... a soul delivered from death
than to strive for the ... from sin a declaration of freedom from death, then all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix for the law.htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... had been made unalterable by the eternal fiat [determination ... of the ever to be lamented
death of our ... desire for useful knowledge; " he should strive by every ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... Preserve me, I beseech Thee, as well from vicious sadness as ... That I may not strive
or make any tumult ... Thou mightest free us from the sentence of eternal death; ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

On the Feast of Martyrs
... same grace, and that they do not strive enough to ... them greater suffering than dying
a natural death, and, especially ... lighten up all his heart with Eternal Truth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxx on the feast.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... not ignore these facts, and meanwhile strive after something ... from his murderous designs,
and may preserve the life ... how man is to escape sin and eternal death. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Letter Xliii. (AD 397. )
... we do not refuse to strive by every ... souls concerning their obtaining eternal life,
and escaping eternal death. ... professing a desire to preserve peace, granted ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xliii a d 397.htm

What is the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2)? | GotQuestions.org

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How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org

Death: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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