Can Archbishop Duncan Williams Decide When to Die?

 IMMORTALITY

1.  I have observed with great concern how some folks have criticized the statement made by  Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams during the 31st December Crossover service. I am greatly concerned because of the level of disrespect shown him and the insults hurled at him by these critics. But I have greater concern because many of these critics are supposedly 'Christians' or 'Church Goers' but are ignorant of the heritage we have in Christ Jesus.

2.   It's amazing that the Archbishop talked about such an important issue as making a Will before passing away - a topic that is seldom mentioned in the pulpit. Yet very few focused on that. In this country, we have witnessed untold family feuds due to the lack of a Will. We've seen how siblings get at each other's throat even while their well to do parents lie helpless in their sick bed taking their last breath. A situation which could be averted if there is a Will in place. But the Archbishop's crime for which he has been crucified is that he said he's 65 years of age and will decide whether to live or die when he gets to 100 years.

3.   Of course, what more should be expected of these critics? If they could not appreciate the weightiness of an earthly statement, how could we expect them to comprehend a spiritual matter such as Immortality? Paul, in his epistle to Timothy mentions this...

2Ti 1:9-10 NET 9. He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10. but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel! (Emphasis mine)

4.  Every man has to make a choice between life and death (Deuteronomy 30:19). What choice you make is entirely up to you. King Hezekiah, at the point of death, asked for more years and God granted him 15 more years (2 Kings 20:1-6).

5. It was in this same light that David, when he was faced with a life threatening situation, proclaimed...

Psalm 118:17 [KJV] I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Immortality or longevity is therefore directly linked to divine purpose. A man who is walking according to the purpose of God for their life has the Kingdom right to choose life based on his faith.

6.   It was at the tomb of Lazarus that Jesus put the spotlight on Immortality (John 11:25-26). So it's not out of place for the Archbishop to make such a faith proclamation about when to depart from the earth. Paul also made a similar statement towards the end of his ministry...

Philippians 1: 21-25 NCV :21 To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me. :22 If I continue living in my body, I will be able to work for the Lord. I do not know what to choose—living or dying. :23 It is hard to choose between the two. I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is much better, :24 but you need me here in my body. :25 Since I am sure of this, I know I will stay with you to help you grow and have joy in your faith.

7. Think about this. If the dead is brought to life again by faith in Christ Jesus, why can't one choose to live longer? Which is easier? The power of the Gospel has been underestimated for so long a time, through ignorance. It's time for Christians to wake up and stop patterning their lives to the dictates of the world system. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Do you believe this? Selah!!!

Afriyie A. Nyame