by Linda Veath

Photo: Storyblocks

I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. … (A) time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out — those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. John 5:28-29 NIV

I love fall. The bright colors, the brisk air, the clouds floating in the brilliant blue sky, the frost on the pumpkins, the harvest moon, the invigorating walks — glorious days to celebrate our Creator God and the beauty of His seasons.

Yet, I also confess that I grumble at times when I’m walking. I even change my route. Why? Because several homes nearby go way overboard on Halloween decorations. As in zombies, ghouls, ghosts, witches, skeletons (even dog skeletons!), grave stones, blood and gore. Just looking at it gives me the “willies.” Displays like that seem so off the mark. There’s sadness to them, nothing fun or laughable, at least to me. Death — and eternity — aren’t to be taken lightly.

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Jesus tells us that one day the trumpet will sound, there will be a loud shout, and the graves will be opened. Many people will be raised from the dead only to be condemned to spend the rest of their lives in hell. What a sad day that will be for them.

But other resurrected bodies who “have done good” will rise and be set free to live for all eternity in heaven. What have these people done that is good that the others did not? They heard and accepted the words of Jesus: “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:29) They were saved because they believed in our Lord Jesus Christ — who died for our sin, conquering death and the grave when He rose from the dead. What a good day that will be for believers.

One of my favorite new songs on Christian radio speaks of God calling our name and our running out of our graves to be with Him. What a glorious day that will be, running out of that grave with outstretched arms toward my Lord and King.

Yes, indeed! One. Glorious. Day!