Is death our enemy?
Yes, death is our enemy. It is sown in dishonor, and it brings corruption and separation from loved ones. Even believers grieve deeply, yet faith in the eternal future assures us that we will see, know, and recognize our loved ones again.
Les explains that death is our enemy because we mourn for our loved ones as they lay in the casket. He says we all hate death—even the death of an animal tears him up. He notes that except for faith in the eternal future, unbelievers will never see their loved ones again, but believers will see, know, and recognize them. He uses the Mount of Transfiguration to prove recognition: Peter, James, and John immediately knew Moses and Elijah, though they had lived thousands of years earlier.
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
Why is death called our enemy when we mourn our loved ones?
Death is called our enemy because it brings grief, separation from loved ones, and corruption and dishonor to the body. Even believers who mourn still hate death. Faith in the eternal future assures believers they will see, know, and recognize their loved ones again.
Is death our enemy even though we love the people who die?
Yes. Even though we love our loved ones and mourn when they die, death remains our enemy. We hate death, including the death of those we love. Yet for believers, faith in the eternal future assures us we will see, know, and recognize our loved ones again.