When atheists die

When atheists die they too will stand before God to be judged, just as Christians will and people of all other beliefs will be.

It is quite troubling to me when I hear or read people mock those who do not have Jesus as their personal savior.

Recently Stephen Hawking died. Since that happened I have read comments by many people regarding his death. Some were saddened by his death and hoped he was able to give his life to Jesus before he died. Others however laughed and mocked him making comments like, "Well now he will believe in God", and "He is burning in hell", and "I guess he knows the truth now" and other comments such as those.

Of-course they are right that that is the end result of the unrepentant, but when said or written in a manner lacking heartbreak for the lost, it makes me wonder about their lives. Jesus is heartbroken by the lost. He does not want that any should perish.

2 Peter 3:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

It is hard sometimes when we know of a person or people who make fun of Christians, or bring physical harm to Christian. There are those who say they believe in science and are open minded, but when it comes to Christianity they do nothing but poke fun and mock. But we must remember that the Lord rejoices when even one repents and so we must pray for them.

Luke 15:7-10 King James Version (KJV)
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

We should not rejoice or make fun of them that die without having come to Christ, we must pray for them before they die and pray that they repent and turn to Jesus. Therein lies joy, in life and salvation, not in death without repentance.

It is heartbreaking to think of any person dying without Christ. How terrible, how horrifying a thought that is. It should fill our hearts with sadness and urgency to pray for them.

Remember Saul who persecuted Christians and then was converted and renamed Paul. He became such a great apostle of Christ, through his teachings many people were saved and churches founded. How amazing it would be for others like him to come to Christ. Do not rejoice over their deaths, but instead pray that they come to Christ.

What a witness that would be.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 King James Version (KJV)
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.