The death of God’s children is precious promotion

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15 ESV)

Last week I attended the funeral of a Christian friend. It was a joyous occasion as relatives and friends gathered to celebrate her life. She had lived it well and there was no doubt that she had placed God first in her life. Funerals of friends and loved ones remind us that life on earth is temporary and death is certain for everyone. The Bible has a lot to say on the subject.

Blessed are those who die in the Lord

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Rev. 14:13 ESV)

You will be at home with the Lord

“And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43 ESV)

“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Cor. 5:6-8 ESV)

God will wipe away every tear

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4 ESV)

Our spirit returns to God who gave it

“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Eccles. 12:7 ESV)

Those who believe and put their trust in Jesus have eternal life

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” (John 5:24-26 ESV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 ESV)

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12 ESV)

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21 ESV)

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (2 Cor. 15:22 ESV)