As the world entered the 21st century, there came a series of quite famous movies known as “Final destination.” These fantasy-horror themed movies all revolved around a plotline of the protagonist receiving a vision or a premonition through which some of them initially cheat death. But death then returns with a forceful vengeance for all of them – setting the stage for some grisly death scenes through the movies. This majorly contributed to the huge success of this franchise. One in which “death” always wins. The name of this movie franchise rightly emphasizes the “final destination” of every person born on this earth. The subtle theme which makes this movie such a hit among the masses is that – death can never be cheated.

I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me – John 14:30

Jesus Christ – the Son of God, One with God, the image of the invisible God, Himself would face this enemy death and would then overcome it (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Death being the direct consequence of our sins (Romans 5:12). Adam might have gotten the snowball rolling down the slope of sin. But men since have not been able to break free of its pull downwards. But if death has been defeated at the cross. Why do righteous and unrighteous alike – all still die? The Bible evidently talks about a second death (Matthew 10:28, Revelation 20:14, 21:8). Which is not a mere physical death – but instead a death of the soul. The eternal essence within every man.

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:28

And the way to this eternal life being through the promises of God received in Jesus Christ alone (John 10:10. 14:6). We might read of Jesus’ prayer of blood and tears in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42-44) and interpret this as Jesus despairing of the physical tragedy of the cross. That which He would have to endure for six-long and grueling hours. The Roman flogging that would have torn all the skin from his back, the crown of thorns thrusted upon His head tearing into His scalp and the iron nails hammered into his palms and feet. Yet, Jesus did not shed tears over all His physical torture, reproach or pain that He was to face for us. His tears in Gethsemane were for His spiritual death on the cross (Hebrews 5:7). The darkest three-hours (from noon to 3 in the afternoon) since creation – where the darkness of our sins was placed upon the Light of this world (Luke 23:44). Spiritual death which is the separation from His Father – the most perfect of unions broken by the divisive effect of our sins (Matthew 27:46). Those 3 hours of incomprehensible suffering in the Spirit would have been like an eternity to an eternal God – all for a passing moment of pleasure in our sins. A Lamb slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). This was the bitter cup of suffering Jesus would pray to be taken away, three times in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44). Which is why in John 19:28-30 immediately after receiving the sour wine He would say: “It is finished!” Symbolizing that He had now fully partook of this cup of suffering.

and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. – 1 Peter 2:24

Death cannot be cheated, but it has been most certainly defeated (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). By God sending His son – Jesus Christ – to die in our place on that cross (Hebrews 2:14). The protagonist of our stories – if we so choose to believe in Him and His Gospel (2 Timothy 1:9-10). Our final destination is not the grave. It is either Heaven or Hell. And our faith in Jesus alone determines it. So that we can confidently declare now as Jesus also did.

…for I know where I came from and where I am going…– John 8:14