These all confirm the proposition that, under a right moral government, punishment, either personal or vicarious, must follow guilt invariably. This is what is meant by that fear of death which is present, both instinctive and rational, in every human consciousness.
Some men die calmly under the delusions of agnosticism, universalism, or utter weariness of life.
Some, like the skeptic, David Hume, effect before company a cheerful indifference which they are far from feeling. But the average, the natural, and the reasonable state of the human spirit which is not sustained by a conscious justification through Christ's vicarious righteousness is to dread death, because it expects penal evil in another life. Reference has been made to the sacrifices required in the Old Testament. But as the meaning of pardon is that it releases the culprit himself from punishment, this needed expiation is to be made by a substitute. It is noticeable, moreover, that all pagan religions employ bloody sacrifice, either animal or human, and in the same sense.