This incident illustrates how the child of God can face the last enemy with confidence and courage:

Many years ago, the ship known as the Empress of Ireland went down with 130 Salvation Army officers on board, along with many other passengers. Only 21 of those Christian workers’ lives were spared—an unusually small number. Of the 109 workers who drowned, not one body had on a life preserver! Many of the survivors told how those brave people, seeing that there were not enough lifebelts, took off their own and strapped them onto others, saying, “I know Jesus, so I can die better than you can.” Their supreme sacrifice and faithful words set a beautiful example, which for many years has inspired the Salvation Army to carry on courageously for God. Millions have come to recognize that born-again individuals can face death fearlessly.

Death for someone who has not come to know God is a frightening prospect. And indeed it should be, for when one passes from this life, there is no longer the possibility of coming right with God. In contrast, the dark door of death for a Christian is only the other side of the shining gate of life.