Eight and Eleven

Recently a news program gave information about changes that affect the population. They reported that on average in 2008 there would be one birth every eight seconds and one death every eleven seconds. That means that the population will continue to increase because births are occurring at a greater rate than deaths. The Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:2, tells us that there is “a time to be born, and a time to die.”

Throughout the scriptures there are accounts of births taking place. For the most part there was joy with each birth. We even remember this event by celebrating a birthday each year. Solomon summarizes life in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes. He begins with the need of remembering God in youth. He then progresses through the aging process. Finally he speaks about the end of life. What is his conclusion about life? He says that the “whole” of man is to “fear God and keep His commandments.” Do we see that as the purpose of life? “What is your life?” (James 4:13) is a question each must answer.

As with births, the Bible speaks often about death. The entire chapter of Genesis five says over and over “and he died.” Man must come to grips that death is a natural part of life. Our physical bodies have not been created to live forever (2 Corinthians 4:16). Regardless of what we may do to extend the length of life death will eventually come to all (Hebrews 9:27). The greatest need is to prepare for eternity before death comes. After death (Luke 16:19-31) ones destiny is sealed! How sad that many (Matthew 7:13-14) will meet the Creator unprepared. Those who die without having obeyed the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) will suffer punishment.

During the time that it has taken you to read this article how many have been born and how many have died?

Terry Claunch