To "Die The
Death Of The Righteous"
One Must Be Righteous!
by: Ivie Powell
Balaam was a wicked man who sought to curse the children of Israel for money. Peter informs us why he did this, because he "loved the wages of unrighteousness" (2 Peter 2:15). It is interesting to note Balaam's request, "Let me die the death of the righteous" (Numbers 23:10). Such a request was denied. Why? Because he "loved the wages of unrighteousness."
A great number today, like Balaam, want to "die the death of the righteous," but aren't willing to do that which necessitates being righteous! Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Peter informs us what constitutes being righteous, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; But in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34-35). Not only must one "fear" that is, hold the Almighty in great Awe, but they must keep His commandments. "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
Lost souls on the day of Pentecost were told what to do to become righteous, "Then Peter said unto the, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). In Acts 2:47, we learn, "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Therefore, if one wants to be saved, they must not only believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24), they must "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin"! Those who have obeyed the gospel must live a righteous life to inherit heaven. Note again what Paul said to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 6:9-10) and the Galatians (Galatians 5:19-21).
Yes, to "die the death of the righteous" one must be righteous! "Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap For he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:7-8).