Reflections on the Passing of Famous People

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reflects on an article in USA Today by David Colton remembering numerous famous people who died in 2021. Colin Powell, Tommy Lasorda, Bob Dole, Hank Aaron, Prince Philip, Rush Limbaugh—in this article there is a long list of those who had an impact in this life and have now transitioned. They continue to live—have consciousness—apart from the body. Author Anne Rice, who had “embraced the crude myth of vampires.” Larry King, who famously said, “The key to interviewing is listening.” Marcus Lamb, founder of Daystar Network, a prosperity peddler, died of COVID-19. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and F. W. De Klerk, each having won a Nobel Prize for their roles in ending apartheid in South Africa. Willard Scott, Today show weatherman—one of the most recognizable influencers of our time. As we think about those who have passed from this life to eternity, consider “Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last” (C.T. Studd). We all will one day stand before God and give an account for what we did in our lives. Let us live our lives for that which counts for all eternity. Our Lord said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). See David Colton, “Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson, John Madden: Remembering Notables Who Died in 2021,” USA Today, December 19, 2021 (updated December 31, 2021), https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/12/19/famous-people-who-died-2021/6496794001/