The Death of the Righteous - Num 23:10

Introduction:
Let me die the death of the righteous, in Hebrew, "of Jeshurun"; or, the Israelites. The meaning is: the righteous are a happy people, above all others, not only in this life, but at death, from their knowledge of the true God, and their hope through His grace. Balaam is a representative of a large class in the world, who expresses a wish for the blessedness which Christ has promised to His people but is averse to imitate the mind that was in Him.
Let Me Die the Balaam is one of the great tragedies of the Old Testament. He was a Gentile prophet of God who lived at Pethor in Mesopotamia (Deuteronomy 23:4). Because he was afflicted with the common malady of covetousness, he sold out to Balak, a pagan Moabite king, who urged him to “curse” the Israelites as they made their way toward the land of Canaan.
When God overruled the effort, causing Balaam to “bless” instead of “curse,” the hireling prophet suggested another plan. If the Israelites could be corrupted internally, God himself would destroy them! And so, the children of Israel were seduced to commit fornication by the women of Moab. As a consequence, some twenty-four thousand of them were slain (Numbers 25). Balaam himself was finally killed in battle with Israel (Numbers 31:8).

In one of his prophecies, Balaam uttered a statement that contains much food for thought. He exclaimed, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!” (Numbers 23:10).
When the matter is duly considered, the Bible reveals that there are some similarities and also some significant differences in the deaths of the righteous and the wicked.
Similarities
In a number of ways, death is identical for both the good and the bad.

First, death is the inevitable fate for all (except that final generation which witnesses the return of Christ [cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51]). Scripture declares that as a consequence of Adam’s transgression, death comes to all (Romans 5:12). Indeed, “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Second, the uncertainty as to the time of death is common to all classes of humanity. Death can take us at any stage of life—infancy, adolescence, in the prime of life, or in the advanced years. Death may come with a leap or with a crawl. It comes, though, and comes to all!

Third, for both the prepared and the unprepared, death is the same physical phenomenon. Physical death is that in-animated state of the body that results when the spirit (that part of man that is in the image of God [Genesis 1:26]) has departed from its earthly tabernacle. James gives a clear definition of death when he says, “The body apart from the spirit is dead” (2:26).
Paul speaks of death as a departure when he writes of having the “desire to depart and be with Christ” (Philippians 1:23). Again, the apostle recognizes the possibility of human existence “apart from the body” (2 Corinthians 12:2, 3), which would necessitate the body’s death. And so, physically speaking, the righteous and the wicked die in precisely the same fashion.

Fourth, the Bible teaches that both the godly and the ungodly are conscious after death. In fact, the Scriptures do not suggest that death causes any change in the composition or nature of the human spirit. In the narrative concerning Lazarus and the rich man, both, after death, were quite aware of their condition and environment. The one was comforted and the other was in anguish (cf. Luke 16:25).
Differences

There are, though, some very great differences between the death-state of the Lord’s people and those who are not.

First, God’s attitude toward the two groups is in great contrast. Note the testimony of the Psalmist: “Precious in the sight of God is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). On the other hand: “As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11). The one is a recipient of the Lord’s goodness; the other, his severity (cf. Romans 2:4-11).

Second, for the righteous, death brings fellowship with Christ. Jesus informed the penitent thief, “Today you shall be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Again, Paul knew that his departure would enable him to be “with Christ” (Philippians 1:23), which was “very far better” than this earthly domain.
The apostle affirmed that to be “absent from the body” is to be “at home with [the Greek term pros literally means ‘face to face with’] the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). The wicked have no such hope. And why should they? They have rejected his fellowship in life; they will not enjoy it in death!

Third, for the faithful, death is a thrilling, blissful experience. “Blessed [literally, ‘happy’] are the dead who die in the Lord . . . they do rest from their labors” (Revelation 14:13). But the wicked know nothing except “trouble and sorrow” (Psalm 116:3), “affliction” (Jonah 2:2), “anguish” (Luke 16:25), and “punishment” (2 Peter 2:9, ASV).

Conclusion
Each of us—as rational, responsible human beings—has the option now to determine whether our death will be like the righteous or the wicked. There is one thing for certain: after death has taken us, there will be no changes in our destiny (cf. Matthew 25:1-13).

What does the Bible say about pornography?

Question: "What does the Bible say about pornography?"

Answer: By far, the most searched-for terms on the internet are related to pornography. Pornography is rampant in the world today. Perhaps more than anything else, Satan has succeeded in twisting and perverting sex. He has taken what is good and right (loving sex between a husband and wife) and replaced it with lust, pornography, adultery, rape, and homosexuality. Pornography is simply the first step on a very slippery slope of ever-increasing wickedness and immorality (Romans 6:19). Just as a drug user is led to consume greater and more powerful quantities of drugs, so pornography drags a person into hard-core sexual addictions and ungodly desires.The three main categories of sin are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

Pornography definitely causes us to lust after flesh, and it undeniably is a lust for our eyes. Pornography definitely does not qualify as one of the things we are to think about: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Pornography is addictive (1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:19), destructive (Proverbs 6:25-28; Ezekiel 20:30; Ephesians 4:19), and leads to ever-increasing wickedness (Romans 6:19). Lusting after other people in our minds (the essence of pornography) is offensive to God (Matthew 5:28). When habitual devotion to pornography characterizes a person’s being, that demonstrates the person is not saved (1 Corinthians 6:9).

If there was one thing I could change about my life prior to becoming a Christian, it would be my involvement with pornography. Thanks be to God—He can and will give the victory. Are you involved with pornography and desire freedom from it? Here are some steps to victory: (1) Confess your sin to God (1 John 1:9). (2) Pray for God to cleanse, renew, and transform your mind (Romans 12:2). (3) Ask God to fill your mind with Philippians 4:8. (4) Learn to possess your body in holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). (5) Understand the proper meaning of sex and rely on your spouse to meet that need alone (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). (6) Realize that if you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). (7) Take practical steps to reduce your exposure to graphic images (e.g., install pornography blockers on your computer, limit television and video usage, find another Christian who will pray for you and help keep you accountable—your spouse, if you are married).

60 Questions on the Godhead

1. Is the word trinity in the Bible? No.
2. Does the Bible say that there are three persons in the Godhead? No.
3. Does the Bible speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Yes.
4. Do these titles as used in Matthew 28:19 mean that there are three separate and distinct

persons in the Godhead? No, they refer to three offices, roles, or relationship to humanity.
5. Does the Bible use the word three in reference to God? Only one verse in the entire Bible

does so-I John 5:7. It speaks of the Father, the Word (instead of Son), and the Holy

Ghost, and it concludes by saying, "These three are one."
6. Does the Bible use the word one in reference to God? Yes, many times. For example, see

Zechariah 14:9; Malachi 2:10; Matthew 23:9; Mark 12:29, 32; John 8:41; 10:30; Romans

3:30; I Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; I Timothy 2:5; James 2:19.

7. Can the mystery of the Godhead be understood? Yes. Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9; I

Tim 3:16.
8. Has the Christian only one Heavenly Father? Yes. Matthew 23:9.
9. Then why did Jesus say to Philip, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John

14:9)? Because Jesus is the express image of God's person. Hebrews 1:3. The Greek word

for personin this verse literally means "substance."
10. Does the Bible say that there are two persons in the Godhead? No.
11. Does the Bible say that all the Godhead is revealed in one person? Yes, in Jesus Christ. II

Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:19; 2:9; Hebrews 1:3.
12. Is the mystery of the Deity hidden from some people? Yes. Luke 10:21-22.
13. Who is the Father? The Father is the one God, particularly as revealed in parental

relationship to humanity. Deuteronomy 32:6; Malachi 2:10.
14. Where was God the Father while Jesus was on earth? The Father was in Christ. John 14:10;

II Corinthians 5:19. He was also in heaven, for God is omnipresent.
15. Did the prophet Isaiah say that Jesus would be the Father? Yes. Isaiah 9:6; 63:16.
16. When God said, "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26), was He speaking to another

person in the Godhead? No. Isaiah 44:24; Malachi 2:10.
17. How many of God's qualities were in Christ? All. Colossians 2:9.
18. How may we see the God who sent Jesus into the world? By seeing Jesus. John 12:44-45.
19. Does the Bible say that Jesus is the Almighty? Yes. Revelation 1:8
20. Whom do some designate as the first person in the trinity? God the Father.
21. Whom do some designate as the last person in the trinity? The Holy Ghost. But Jesus said

that He was the first and last. Revelation 1:17-18
22. How many persons did John see sitting on the throne in heaven? One. Revelation 4:2.
23. If Jesus is the first and the last, why did God say in Isaiah 44:6 that He was the first and the

last? Because Jesus is the God of the Old Testament incarnate.
24. Did Jesus tell Satan that God alone should be worshipped? Yes. Matthew 4:10
25. Does the devil believe in more than one God? No. James 2:19.
26. Does the Bible say that God, who is the Word, was made flesh? Yes John 1:1, 14.
27. For what purpose was God manifested in the flesh? To save sinners. Hebrews 2:9, 14.
28. Was Jesus God manifested in the flesh? Yes. I Timothy 3:16.
29. Could Jesus have been on earth and in heaven at the same time? Yes. John 3:13.
30. Does the Bible say that there is but one Lord? Yes. Isaiah 45:18; Ephesians 4:5.
31. Does the Bible say that Christ is the Lord? Yes. Luke 2:11.
32. Does the Bible say that the Lord is God? Yes. I kings 18:39; Zechariah 14:5; Acts 2:39;

Revelation 19:1.
33. How could the church belong to Jesus (Matthew 16:18) and yet be the church of God (I

Corinthians 10:32)? Because Jesus is God in the flesh.
34. Will God give His glory to another? No. Isaiah 42:8.
35. Is there a God formed before Jehovah, or will there be one formed after? No. Isaiah 43:10.
36. What is one thing that God does not know? Another God. Isaiah 44:8.
37. What is one thing that God Cannot do? Lie. Titus 1:2.
38. Howw many Gods should we know? Only one. Hosea 13:4.
39. How many names has the Lord? One. Zechariah 14:9.
40. Is it good to think upon the name of the Lord? Yes. Malachi 3:16.
41. Does the Bible say that God alone treads upon the waves of the sea? Yes. Job 9:8
42. Why, then, was Jesus able to walk upon the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:25)? Because He is

God the Creator. Colossians 1:16.

43. Is God the only one who can forgive sin? Yes. Isiah 43:25; Mark 2:7.
44. Why, then, could Jesus forgive sin in Mark 2:5-11? Because He is God the Savior.
45. Is Jesus the true God? Yes. I John 5:20.
46. If God and the Holy Ghost are two separate persons, which was the Father of Christ?

Matthew 1:20 says that the Holy Ghost was the Father, while Romans 15:6, II Corinthians

11:31, and Ephesians 1:3 say that God was the Father. There is no contradiction when we

realize that God the Father and the Holy Ghost are one and the same Spirit. Matthew 10:20;

Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 3:16.
47. When Paul asked the Lord who He was, what was the answer? "I am Jesus." Acts 9:5.
48. When Stephen was dying, did he call God Jesus? Yes. Acts 7:59.
49. Did Thomas ever call Jesus God? Yes. John 20:28.
50. How could Jesus be the Savior, when God the Father said in Isaiah 43:11, "Beside me there

is no Savior?" Because "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." II Cor. 19.
51. Does the Bible say that Jesus was God with us? Yes. Matthew 1:23.
52. Did Jesus ever say, "I and my Father are one?" Yes. John 10:30.
53. Can it be proved scripturally that Jesus and the Father are one in the same sense that

husband and wife are one? No. The Godhead was never compared to the relationship of a

husband and wife. Jesus identified Himself with the Father in a way that husband and wife

cannot be identified with each other. John 14:9-11.
54. Does the Bible say that there is only one wise God? Yes. Jude 25.
55. Does the Bible call the Holy Ghost a second or third person in the Godhead? No. The Holy

Ghost is the one Spirit of God, the one God Himself at work in our lives. John 4:24; I Cor.

3:16-17; 6:19; 12:13.
56. Can Trinitarians show that three divine persons were present when Jesus was baptized by

John? Absolutely not. The one, omnipresent God used three simultaneous manifestations.

Only one divine person was present--Jesus Christ the Lord.
57. Then what were the other two of whom Trinitarians speak? One was a voice from heaven;

the other was the Spirit of God in the form of a dove. Matthew 3:16-17.
58. What did the voice say at Jesus' baptism? "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well

pleased." Mark 1:11. As the Son of God, Jesus was the one God incarnate.
59. Does the Bible say that God shed His blood and that God laid down His life for us? Yes. Acts

20:28; I John 3:16. God was able to do this because He had taken upon Himself a human

body.
60. The Bible says that God is coming back with all his saints (Zechariah 14:5) and also that

Jesus is coming back with all his saints (I Thessalonians 3:13). Are two coming back? No.

Only one is coming back--our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13.