Death in Jesus

What happens when we die? Ask several people that question and you will probably get several different answers. That is why we need to go to the sure word of God, the Bible, for answers. The Bible is clear that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” God’s answer to man’s sin is Jesus, and by receiving the forgiveness offered in His name, we can be saved. There is a hell to shun, and a heaven to gain. But what happens when a Christian dies? 2Corinthians 5:1 tells us that if our earthly house is destroyed (physical death) we have a heavenly dwelling provided by God. It also tells us in verse 8 that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” When a Christian dies, their spirit goes to “be with the Lord”. Psalm 16:11 says “in Your presence is fullness of joy.” A Christian goes immediately into the presence of the Lord where they experience “fullness of joy.” We grieve our loss, but they have gained heaven. 1Thessolonians 4 puts the death of a Christian into perspective. Verse 13 tells us we are not to grieve as others who have no hope. It did not say that we are not to grieve; it is telling us not to grieve like the world that has no hope. We who have hope in Christ grieve our loss. We miss this person. We miss how this person touched our lives. But as we grieve, we must remember that this loved one is with Christ, in His very presence, enjoying fullness of joy. How can we be sad about that? When someone close to me who is a believer has died, I have felt the loss. I miss them. But what has really helped me is to get out my Bible and read the verses I am sharing with you today. These verses help put their life and my life into an eternal perspective, and that has been a great comfort to me. 1Thessolonians 4 goes on to tell us that Jesus is coming again and at His second coming, God’s family on earth and God’s family in heaven will be united and “thus shall we always be with the Lord.” Verse 18 ends with, “comfort one another with these words.” The truths found in these verses and others will help us to grieve our loss with the hope of Christ. It also gives hope to those who have trusted Christ not to fear death. My prayer today, especially for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, that you would be comforted with the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen. From The Pulpit For Saturday September 1, 2012 Visit Christian Eye at http://christian-eye.blogspot.com