“We must live under a constant apprehension of the shortness and uncertainty of life and the near approach of death and eternity.”

Matthew Henry.

Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that everyone has an appointment with death, followed by judgment. In context, this verse highlights Jesus as the mediator of the new covenant. Through His blood, He secured the forgiveness of sins and entered the heavenly holy places—not earthly copies—to intercede for His people. Jesus was offered once to bear the sins of many, and He will appear again to save those who eagerly wait for Him. While we wait, we can face the reality of death with hope, knowing it is not the end.

”Death bed theology” refers to a perspective on God and His relationship to humanity that emerges from the awareness of life’s end. According to the Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics and Philosophy of Religion, theology is “the ordered, systematic study of God and of God’s relations to His creatures.” A deathbed, literally or metaphorically, is the state or place where a person is near the end of their life. Death bed theology, then, is the understanding of God and His purposes shaped by the reality and urgency of approaching death.

“A theology that teaches us to number our days helps us gain wisdom for navigating the challenges of everyday life.”

With this in mind, we must consider whether it’s possible—and beneficial—to adopt this perspective while we are alive and well today. I would argue that it is. In Psalm 90:12, the Psalmist prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This verse encourages us to live with an awareness of life’s brevity, which can inspire greater intentionality, humility, and wisdom in our daily lives.

In Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible He said, 

“We must live under a constant apprehension of the shortness and uncertainty of life and the near approach of death and eternity. We must so number our days as to compare our work with them, and mind it accordingly with a double diligence, as those that have no time to trifle. Those that would learn this arithmetic must pray for divine instruction, must go to God, and beg of him to teach them by his Spirit, to put them upon considering and to give them a good understanding. We then number our days to good purpose when thereby our hearts are inclined and engaged to true wisdom, that is, to the practice of serious godliness.”

A theology that teaches us to number our days helps us gain wisdom for navigating the challenges of everyday life. Recognizing that everyone has an appointment with death, followed by judgment, can transform how we approach each day. If we truly remembered that our time on earth is limited, we might treat our daily lives—and the people in them—differently. We might value our family more, hold our loved ones closer, seek forgiveness faster, and prioritize reconciliation with those who are difficult. We might spend more time in prayer and Scripture, cherishing every moment as a gift. Embracing the reality of death and our eventual meeting with God would make us more attentive to the details of our lives, encouraging us to live with purpose and gratitude.

“A deathbed theology fosters a healthy understanding of God and provides the wisdom we need to live as His creatures in alignment with His will.”

To be honest, I don’t always know how to maintain this perspective daily. At times, it feels exhausting to keep this mindset. Yet, in a way, I do. I’ve learned to focus not only on the brevity of life but also on the reality of who God is and who I am in Him. When I read Scripture, I’m reminded of God’s character, His actions, and how He has revealed Himself. This sustains me throughout the day. By keeping my thoughts centered on Christ, I can trust that when the time comes for me to leave this world, I will be with Him. My deathbed is not the end but a part of the journey—God is the ultimate destination. Reflecting on the reality of death helps me reevaluate my life and adjust where necessary, but it is God who motivates me to live fully.

I’m not called to live in fear of death, but to live a life motivated by God and shaped by wisdom that comes from recognizing the brevity of life. We can—and must—do both: number our days and live for God’s glory in the days we have. A deathbed theology fosters a healthy understanding of God and provides the wisdom we need to live as His creatures in alignment with His will. This perspective helps us live a life we won’t regret—a life of purpose and faithfulness. Many people reach their deathbed full of regret, unable to change their past or even move from the bed. I want to live now in a way that ensures I won’t look back with regret when that time comes.

Death bed theology is a perspective on God and His relationship to humanity that arises from recognizing the reality of life’s end. It’s a mindset we need when we become casual, complacent, or compromised in our faith. It reminds us to live for God’s glory and approach each day with the awareness that our time is short and our days are numbered.