Resolution 9: The big taboo topic...

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

Politics, religion, death... probably the big three taboo subjects in our culture... the kind of topics that will put a halt to a flowing conversation, or create that awkward silence we all want to avoid. And yet death is real... it affects us all - we all have loved ones who pass on, and ultimately we will all face that inevitable statistic ourselves - 1 out of 1 people die.

But that's a bit morbid! Why on earth am I writing about death? Why on earth does Edwards want to "think much" about his death... never mind in all circumstances?!!

I think what Edwards was getting to here was an issue of perspective... John Keene writes...

Thinking much about death should place upon us such humility and soberness due to our truly frail state that we realize it is only by God’s hand—His grace—that we live each day. Thinking much about our own dying and the events surrounding that fact would keep us in line as a daily reality check, if you will. Our material desires would fade away, our pride and boastfulness should wither, and our passion for the gospel should grow. It is Christ we need for He is our all-sufficient Savior and the object of our deepest joys. And it is by our own death that we go to see His shining face. Be not afraid of it.


As believers in Christ, death is not the end... it is actually the gateway into God's presence, the welcome into the eternal city. Thinking much on death is therefore not morbid... it simply reminds us of the frailty of our humanity... and the great hope of heaven we have.