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Facing the Last Enemy: Death and the Christian
When we’re standing at the gravesite, death gives little closure and leaves many questions unanswered. Despite the common claim that “dying is just a natural part of life,“ people seem to avoid this unsettling subject more than ever. Yet the Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of death. God’s Word has the answers we need to face the grave with confidence in our risen Redeemer.
In this book, Dr. Guy Waters provides the Bible’s answers to essential questions about death, dying, and what comes after this life. Here is balm for the grieving, counsel for caretakers, and guidance to help God’s people rest in Christ’s victory as we come to life’s final battle.
In this book, Dr. Guy Waters provides the Bible’s answers to essential questions about death, dying, and what comes after this life. Here is balm for the grieving, counsel for caretakers, and guidance to help God’s people rest in Christ’s victory as we come to life’s final battle.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2023
44 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Guy Prentiss Waters
38 books24 followersGuy Prentiss Waters (PhD, Duke University) is James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson. He is the author or editor of fifteen books and numerous chapters, articles, and reviews. He is a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 20, 2024
Facing the Last Enemy: Death and the Christian by Guy Prentiss Waters is one of the shorter yet most impactful reads I’ve had all year. This subject has been a source of anxiety for me, as I’ve often avoided thinking deeply about it. However, in recent months and years, I’ve begun to reflect on it with a sense of beauty, hope, and conviction for its eternal significance.
This book was incredibly thought-provoking and practical, offering me a deep awakening to some aspects I hadn’t fully considered. It left me wanting to worship the Lord with joy, thankfulness, and hope, while also renewing my desire to share this hope with others. I’m certain I’ll revisit my notes on this book again in the future.
This book was incredibly thought-provoking and practical, offering me a deep awakening to some aspects I hadn’t fully considered. It left me wanting to worship the Lord with joy, thankfulness, and hope, while also renewing my desire to share this hope with others. I’m certain I’ll revisit my notes on this book again in the future.
November 20, 2025
A short and very clear book on death. Helped me to understand death and appreciate it. One of the chapters I found especially helpful was a section on how to prepare for death.
August 15, 2023
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S FACING THE LAST ENEMY ABOUT?
Chapter 1 beings,
Essentially, the book is his attempt to answer those questions—largely along Scriptural and theological lines, but he also addresses some more practical aspects of preparing for death.
But before he answers those questions, Waters addresses some obstacles that 21st Century people face when thinking and talking about death seriously. We live in a culture of distraction, he says, which is nothing new but "we have taken distraction to new heights" between sports, movies, streaming services, the Internet, etc., etc. Secondly, we live in a "a culture of distancing and denial. We have all sorts of ways to try to keep death at arm’s length." As a general rule, people go through the final stages of dying and death itself in an institution or facility of some sort—not home, surrounded by family and friends.
Those are the cultural obstacles, but there are some ecclesiastical obstacles as well. He points to the Evangelical embracing of consumerism—we treat people attending churches as customers, so we want to give them what they want to hear (things other than death) so they keep coming back. Secondly, there's the embracing of an entertainment mentality. Death and dying are not entertaining at all—so we don't discuss those things. Lastly, is the trend to divide congregations by age and stage of life, resulting in "a whole generation of Christians is deprived of witnessing the truth of Scripture exemplified and lived out in the lives of older Christians."
Given these obstacles, it's all the more important that people take steps to think about, study, and discuss things like death and the preparation for it.
The book is broken down into three parts. Part 1 "Defining Death" covers things such as the definition of death, why death is part of the world, why Christ died—why those who've trusted in Him continue to die, and so on. Part 2, "Encountering Death," focuses on how we face the death of others—friends, acquaintances, family, and so on. How do we prepare ourselves to deal with (and grieve over) their deaths, how can we help them (both practically and spiritually) as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death? Then he spends two chapters on preparing for our own deaths—again, both spiritually and pragmatically (wills, living wills, burial choices, etc.) Then in Part 3, "Beyond Death," Waters focuses on personal eschatology—the Resurrection, the Intermediate State, Final Judgement, and Heaven and Hell.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FACING THE LAST ENEMY?
The best thing that I can say about the book is that this is a good introductory—just look at the list of topics covered—in 132 pages you can't say a lot about any of them. He does give some suggestions for further reading in the endnotes, which is good. But I wanted more. This feels like a well-developed outline than a book exploring the topics. It's very likely the notes (or transcripts) of classes he taught for Ligonier that they put into book form—and those chapters would probably work for the time of Ligonier lessons. But if you're going to take the time to turn those things into a book, you should as least expand on them a little bit.
Aside from that, there's a lot to commend—on the purely theological issues, Waters is expectedly careful and thoughtful (or at least as thoughtful as he can). When it comes to definitions and explaining concepts he's in line with the Westminster Standards—and the Christian thought throughout Church History. When it comes to contemporary concerns and the practical things that will vary from culture to culture—he's careful to give advice and suggestions. When things are a matter of wisdom, prudence, or liberty, Waters says, "here's some good ideas" or "think about this," going out of his way not to label other options as sinful or his as "right."
I think a conclusion wrapping things up, recapping some themes, and tieing into Chapter 1's Introductory material would've been helpful. But that's a matter of taste, I think. And the number of times I've said something like that over the last couple of years suggests that I really need to get over the idea of a concluding chapter.
Did I want more? Yes, particularly from someone of the caliber of Waters. Did I appreciate what we were given? Yes. It's a great introductory volume and will undoubtedly be helpful for many.
---
WHAT'S FACING THE LAST ENEMY ABOUT?
Chapter 1 beings,
We all have questions about death. “What is death? Why do we die? Why do we all die? Why is death so scary? Why did Christ die? Why do Christians have to die? How can I face the death of someone I love? How can I prepare for death? How can I help others prepare for death? What happens after death?”
Essentially, the book is his attempt to answer those questions—largely along Scriptural and theological lines, but he also addresses some more practical aspects of preparing for death.
But before he answers those questions, Waters addresses some obstacles that 21st Century people face when thinking and talking about death seriously. We live in a culture of distraction, he says, which is nothing new but "we have taken distraction to new heights" between sports, movies, streaming services, the Internet, etc., etc. Secondly, we live in a "a culture of distancing and denial. We have all sorts of ways to try to keep death at arm’s length." As a general rule, people go through the final stages of dying and death itself in an institution or facility of some sort—not home, surrounded by family and friends.
Those are the cultural obstacles, but there are some ecclesiastical obstacles as well. He points to the Evangelical embracing of consumerism—we treat people attending churches as customers, so we want to give them what they want to hear (things other than death) so they keep coming back. Secondly, there's the embracing of an entertainment mentality. Death and dying are not entertaining at all—so we don't discuss those things. Lastly, is the trend to divide congregations by age and stage of life, resulting in "a whole generation of Christians is deprived of witnessing the truth of Scripture exemplified and lived out in the lives of older Christians."
Given these obstacles, it's all the more important that people take steps to think about, study, and discuss things like death and the preparation for it.
The book is broken down into three parts. Part 1 "Defining Death" covers things such as the definition of death, why death is part of the world, why Christ died—why those who've trusted in Him continue to die, and so on. Part 2, "Encountering Death," focuses on how we face the death of others—friends, acquaintances, family, and so on. How do we prepare ourselves to deal with (and grieve over) their deaths, how can we help them (both practically and spiritually) as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death? Then he spends two chapters on preparing for our own deaths—again, both spiritually and pragmatically (wills, living wills, burial choices, etc.) Then in Part 3, "Beyond Death," Waters focuses on personal eschatology—the Resurrection, the Intermediate State, Final Judgement, and Heaven and Hell.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FACING THE LAST ENEMY?
The best thing that I can say about the book is that this is a good introductory—just look at the list of topics covered—in 132 pages you can't say a lot about any of them. He does give some suggestions for further reading in the endnotes, which is good. But I wanted more. This feels like a well-developed outline than a book exploring the topics. It's very likely the notes (or transcripts) of classes he taught for Ligonier that they put into book form—and those chapters would probably work for the time of Ligonier lessons. But if you're going to take the time to turn those things into a book, you should as least expand on them a little bit.
Aside from that, there's a lot to commend—on the purely theological issues, Waters is expectedly careful and thoughtful (or at least as thoughtful as he can). When it comes to definitions and explaining concepts he's in line with the Westminster Standards—and the Christian thought throughout Church History. When it comes to contemporary concerns and the practical things that will vary from culture to culture—he's careful to give advice and suggestions. When things are a matter of wisdom, prudence, or liberty, Waters says, "here's some good ideas" or "think about this," going out of his way not to label other options as sinful or his as "right."
I think a conclusion wrapping things up, recapping some themes, and tieing into Chapter 1's Introductory material would've been helpful. But that's a matter of taste, I think. And the number of times I've said something like that over the last couple of years suggests that I really need to get over the idea of a concluding chapter.
Did I want more? Yes, particularly from someone of the caliber of Waters. Did I appreciate what we were given? Yes. It's a great introductory volume and will undoubtedly be helpful for many.
September 5, 2023
Preparation for death begins now. It is through Lord’s Day worship, communion with Christ, holding loosely to this world, and fellowship with the people of God that we spiritually prepare for death. Through these activities, we become heavenly minded and look forward to the life to come. In light of death, we pursue a lifestyle that Christ will bring to completion.
This book provides a very biblical view of death (defining it, encountering it, and what lies beyond it). I wished for its advice to be a bit more practical, but in reality there is nothing more practical than the Gospel for someone who is dying, believer or not.
“God reveals heaven so that we may pursue holiness across the range of our present callings-as husbands and wives, parents and children, employers and employees, rulers and citizens, friends and neighbors.”
This book provides a very biblical view of death (defining it, encountering it, and what lies beyond it). I wished for its advice to be a bit more practical, but in reality there is nothing more practical than the Gospel for someone who is dying, believer or not.
“God reveals heaven so that we may pursue holiness across the range of our present callings-as husbands and wives, parents and children, employers and employees, rulers and citizens, friends and neighbors.”
April 1, 2025
“9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.” - Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards
Dr. Waters delivers a great summary of things pertaining to death. He does this by explaining things such as why we die, why our Lord had to die, and what happens when we do. All of this is done with precise theological and practical acumen, but in a fashion that is easy to understand.
Dr. Waters delivers a great summary of things pertaining to death. He does this by explaining things such as why we die, why our Lord had to die, and what happens when we do. All of this is done with precise theological and practical acumen, but in a fashion that is easy to understand.
April 3, 2025
This is an excellent little compendium on the topic of death and how we should think about it (biblically), how we can comfort those who are confronted by it, and how we can prepare for it ourselves.
I read this in preparation for doing the video series with our Sunday School class. I'm very much looking forward to it.
I read this in preparation for doing the video series with our Sunday School class. I'm very much looking forward to it.
November 25, 2023
This book was a comforting read. Each page seeks to direct your eyes upward. Not only is it practical, but overwhelmingly biblical. Not one claim is made that isn’t supported by an abundance of scripture. I would recommend to anyone who struggles with the reality that they will one day die.
January 12, 2025
More theological in its approach, than merely a devotional that might lean toward sentimental and/or spiritual, though it gets very pastoral and practical too. He presents a coherent system of God’s word that provides great comfort and hope as we might grieve someone’s death or meditate upon our own mortality.
Full of Scripture and practical implications for a person to weigh intentionally and with humility; and for the Christian, assurance and confidence in the promises of God and finished work of Christ. In Christ, we need not fear death.
Full of Scripture and practical implications for a person to weigh intentionally and with humility; and for the Christian, assurance and confidence in the promises of God and finished work of Christ. In Christ, we need not fear death.
August 3, 2023
The author of this book is a seminary professor and a pastor. The material contained here originated as a Sunday school series he taught.
This short, but theologically rich book has three major sections:
Part One: Defining Death. This section addresses questions such as what is death, what happens after death, why did Christ die, and why do Christians die).
Part Two: Encountering Death. This section addresses questions such as how do we face the deaths of others, how can we help the dying and grieving, and how we can prepare for our own deaths).
Part Three: Beyond Death. This section addresses what the Bible teaches about the resurrection, what the Bible teaches about the final judgment, and what the Bible teaches about Heaven and Hell.
The author writes that we all have questions about death, and that the thought of death is so overwhelming that we would prefer not to think about it at all. He tells us that we need to test every belief and conviction against the testimony of Scripture. Only what is true will equip us to understand and face death in the way that God wants.
The author tells us that Scripture is plain: no one escapes death. God has appointed the exact day and time of a person’s death. We have no say or control over the length of our days—whether we will be alive tomorrow or not. The end of our days is set by the Lord’s will. We need to live mindful of that reality.
God is a just God. Death is the penalty of sin. Death is loss. It is something to grieve and lament. It is not the way things are supposed to be. Therefore, it is the “last enemy” (1 Cor. 15:26). It is right to weep in the face of death. However, the gospel tells us that Christ has conquered and subdued death. That is the only way that believers can face death with hope or confidence.
The book addresses a number of topics, including universalism, annihilationism, purgatory, union with Christ, suicide, end of life decisions, hope, and rewards.
This is an excellent book about the subject of death and what happens after death – to the believer and the unbeliever.
Below are some helpful quotes from the book:
1. As believers, we should view death as an opportunity to encourage people to think about God, eternity, and themselves in a biblical way.
2. God owes salvation to no one. The fact that heaven will be populated with redeemed sinners is a tribute to God’s unfathomable mercy.
3. Heaven particularly magnifies the mercy of God; hell, particularly brings glory to the justice of God.
4. The only way that we can experience eternal life is to be brought into union with Christ. There is no such life outside Christ. Once we are in Christ, death has passed, and life has come.
5. The sacrificial death of Christ has nullified death as the penalty for sin for the believer.
6. We may meet death in confidence and victory only if our hopes are firmly and entirely grounded in His merits on our behalf.
7. Whatever the circumstances surrounding our death, and whether our death is painful or pain-free, we know that Jesus is present with us by His Spirit. We are never alone. He will not leave or forsake us at our greatest trial. He is interceding for us. He is helping us and comforting us by the ministry of the Spirit.
8. Unbelievers “have no hope,” and their mourning reflects that hopelessness. Believers, however, have been given a living hope in Jesus Christ. Our mourning must reflect this gospel hope.
9. The grief of the godly is marked by a sense of hope, but this hope is not the possession of only some Christians. Every believer has been given hope in the gospel.
10. Because it is true that Jesus died and was raised from the dead, and because we have put our trust in Him as Savior, we have the comfort we need to grieve in hope and to help our brothers and sisters do the same.
11. Death is about separation. Our hope is about reunion.
12. Death immediately ushers a person into the presence of the Son of God, who passes sentence and either brings that person into heaven or sends the person to hell.
13. Preparation for death begins right now by drawing close to Jesus Christ and finding grace in Him to face death and to encourage others who will face death.
14. Each Lord’s Day, we are not only remembering what God has done for us in Jesus Christ but also looking forward to our heavenly home.
15. The best way to get ready for death is to live—in, by, and for Jesus Christ.
16. Our resurrection and Christ’s resurrection are so bound up together that the one requires the other.
17. In Christ, we will not stand condemned at the final judgment because Christ has already been condemned in our place. In fact, far from being condemned, we are now declared righteous in Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:1, 33–34).
18. Our good works are never the basis of God’s reward to us, but they are the measure according to which God dispenses His rewards.
19. Christians will face the final judgment, but they should not face it with anxiety or dread.
20. Every human being will spend eternity with God. In heaven, God will be present to His people as Father in love and joy; in hell, God will be present to sinners in righteous judgment and wrath.
This short, but theologically rich book has three major sections:
Part One: Defining Death. This section addresses questions such as what is death, what happens after death, why did Christ die, and why do Christians die).
Part Two: Encountering Death. This section addresses questions such as how do we face the deaths of others, how can we help the dying and grieving, and how we can prepare for our own deaths).
Part Three: Beyond Death. This section addresses what the Bible teaches about the resurrection, what the Bible teaches about the final judgment, and what the Bible teaches about Heaven and Hell.
The author writes that we all have questions about death, and that the thought of death is so overwhelming that we would prefer not to think about it at all. He tells us that we need to test every belief and conviction against the testimony of Scripture. Only what is true will equip us to understand and face death in the way that God wants.
The author tells us that Scripture is plain: no one escapes death. God has appointed the exact day and time of a person’s death. We have no say or control over the length of our days—whether we will be alive tomorrow or not. The end of our days is set by the Lord’s will. We need to live mindful of that reality.
God is a just God. Death is the penalty of sin. Death is loss. It is something to grieve and lament. It is not the way things are supposed to be. Therefore, it is the “last enemy” (1 Cor. 15:26). It is right to weep in the face of death. However, the gospel tells us that Christ has conquered and subdued death. That is the only way that believers can face death with hope or confidence.
The book addresses a number of topics, including universalism, annihilationism, purgatory, union with Christ, suicide, end of life decisions, hope, and rewards.
This is an excellent book about the subject of death and what happens after death – to the believer and the unbeliever.
Below are some helpful quotes from the book:
1. As believers, we should view death as an opportunity to encourage people to think about God, eternity, and themselves in a biblical way.
2. God owes salvation to no one. The fact that heaven will be populated with redeemed sinners is a tribute to God’s unfathomable mercy.
3. Heaven particularly magnifies the mercy of God; hell, particularly brings glory to the justice of God.
4. The only way that we can experience eternal life is to be brought into union with Christ. There is no such life outside Christ. Once we are in Christ, death has passed, and life has come.
5. The sacrificial death of Christ has nullified death as the penalty for sin for the believer.
6. We may meet death in confidence and victory only if our hopes are firmly and entirely grounded in His merits on our behalf.
7. Whatever the circumstances surrounding our death, and whether our death is painful or pain-free, we know that Jesus is present with us by His Spirit. We are never alone. He will not leave or forsake us at our greatest trial. He is interceding for us. He is helping us and comforting us by the ministry of the Spirit.
8. Unbelievers “have no hope,” and their mourning reflects that hopelessness. Believers, however, have been given a living hope in Jesus Christ. Our mourning must reflect this gospel hope.
9. The grief of the godly is marked by a sense of hope, but this hope is not the possession of only some Christians. Every believer has been given hope in the gospel.
10. Because it is true that Jesus died and was raised from the dead, and because we have put our trust in Him as Savior, we have the comfort we need to grieve in hope and to help our brothers and sisters do the same.
11. Death is about separation. Our hope is about reunion.
12. Death immediately ushers a person into the presence of the Son of God, who passes sentence and either brings that person into heaven or sends the person to hell.
13. Preparation for death begins right now by drawing close to Jesus Christ and finding grace in Him to face death and to encourage others who will face death.
14. Each Lord’s Day, we are not only remembering what God has done for us in Jesus Christ but also looking forward to our heavenly home.
15. The best way to get ready for death is to live—in, by, and for Jesus Christ.
16. Our resurrection and Christ’s resurrection are so bound up together that the one requires the other.
17. In Christ, we will not stand condemned at the final judgment because Christ has already been condemned in our place. In fact, far from being condemned, we are now declared righteous in Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:1, 33–34).
18. Our good works are never the basis of God’s reward to us, but they are the measure according to which God dispenses His rewards.
19. Christians will face the final judgment, but they should not face it with anxiety or dread.
20. Every human being will spend eternity with God. In heaven, God will be present to His people as Father in love and joy; in hell, God will be present to sinners in righteous judgment and wrath.
December 26, 2024
This is an effective and informative Bible study on everything about death that is taught in God's Word.
Tackling all of these topics: understanding death biblically, learning how to walk with others who are grieving, facing one's own death, facing the death of others, both believers and unbelievers, and what does the Bible teach about heaven and hell.
I was particularly struck by the comments about how Reformation and Puritan pastors were diligent to teach on death in their sermons on a regular basis, always keeping before the congregation the necessity of understanding this biblically. Considering that all of life is a sanctification process, as we are being conformed into the image of Christ preparing us for eternity with Him, it seems very strange that we do not engage in this topic more regularly.
I've been greatly equipped by the teaching in this book, the structure and presentation of the topics; the material was very helpful as I studied God's word along side of my reading. This book is excellent to read through with others, and I have been convinced that I will not neglect to speak on this topic in any of my teaching or counselling sessions with others going forward.
I have been greatly impacted by this study in another way as well, being deeply grieved for loved ones who are not saved. This book has equipped me with some urgency to be more prayerful and more diligent to bring the light of the gospel into every aspect of my life.
I recommend this book to all believers.
Tackling all of these topics: understanding death biblically, learning how to walk with others who are grieving, facing one's own death, facing the death of others, both believers and unbelievers, and what does the Bible teach about heaven and hell.
I was particularly struck by the comments about how Reformation and Puritan pastors were diligent to teach on death in their sermons on a regular basis, always keeping before the congregation the necessity of understanding this biblically. Considering that all of life is a sanctification process, as we are being conformed into the image of Christ preparing us for eternity with Him, it seems very strange that we do not engage in this topic more regularly.
I've been greatly equipped by the teaching in this book, the structure and presentation of the topics; the material was very helpful as I studied God's word along side of my reading. This book is excellent to read through with others, and I have been convinced that I will not neglect to speak on this topic in any of my teaching or counselling sessions with others going forward.
I have been greatly impacted by this study in another way as well, being deeply grieved for loved ones who are not saved. This book has equipped me with some urgency to be more prayerful and more diligent to bring the light of the gospel into every aspect of my life.
I recommend this book to all believers.
December 11, 2025
There’s been a trend of Universalism and there has been during the time I was reading this talk about annihilation. So I think this book was very timely. It talked about the universality of death and how death is the result of imputed sin from Adam. It addressed the false views of the afterlife And how our union with Christ is the remedy to our fears. It offered comfort for the dying also for those who are survivors. It even addressed the question of suicide, told us how to prepare for death by being right with God and how to show love for others. It reminded us that Christ resurrection is a template For the next life. Though it did not emphasize the final judgment, we know our job is to remind me that come Death or Come Lord Jesus , we must be ready. And not just the next life but we must live in light of our doctrine of death.
April 30, 2025
An incredibly impersonal treatment of an existentially dreadful topic that affects every individual. No stories or shared experiences from pastoral ministry can be found in this book (other than a few quotes from Reformed theologians). Rather, it is a doctrinal treatise that could have been written by a Reformed LLM for all we know. If a protestant seminarian is need of a systematic theological treatment of death, then maybe this is for you, but I'd say look elsewhere if you would like wisdom about how to communicate with others (and yourself) about this topic.
December 20, 2025
A comprehensive study of what the Bible says about death, salvation, and the afterlife. Includes many helpful chapters, like what to do practically to prepare for one's own death, as well as spiritually, what to say and not to say to people dealing with death, etc. Definitely the Christian evangelical viewpoint, and if you have ever wondered what exactly that is, here is all the detail, carefully and thoroughly linked to the relevant Scripture every time. Guy isn't just talking out of his hat. This is what the Bible says. It makes for hard reading sometimes.
October 15, 2025
Read hard cover for a book club. This was basically a sermon series in non-fiction book form. Sort of academic but super interesting and covered a lot of questions one would ask about death and afterlife. For beginner through Biblical scholar, author spells it all out clearly. For a believer it should bring a lot of peace. Recommend.
August 17, 2023
A deep dive i didn't know i needed. I'll be reading this title again in the future.
September 28, 2023
An excellent summary of the Bible's teaching on death and eternity. Theologically rich, pastorally sensitive and imminently practical.
January 15, 2024
It was a comprehensive book of verses regarding the subject matter.
January 18, 2024
A good introduction, with several practical chapters on preparing for death. Recommended
December 25, 2024
Excellent if you are in the Winter of your life or not. Waters presents what our last enemy will challenge us with. He also presents our Savior as the victor.
March 21, 2025
Comprehensive introduction on the topic of death. Lucid writing. Gospel-infused & hope-filled. Recommended.
December 31, 2024
Having read it so soon after my dad's death, I'm sure I missed a lot of nuggets in this book. Therefore, I plan to read it again. But even a cursory reading provides a lot of theological consolation to a grieving heart. It definitely comforted mine, in reminding me that death will soon be swallowed up forever because of Christ.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews