By dropping by our local cemetery and reading the dates etched on the tombstones, we know that our demise will shortly come to pass (Hebrews 9:27; James 4:14; cf. Job 7:6-7; Psalm 78:39) — death is not an event that one should take lightly (2 Kings 20:1-6; Ecclesiastes 2:12-23; Luke 12:13-21).But what do the inspired Scriptures tell about this impending event in our life? The Scriptures tell us that if we’re faithful to the Lord in the doing of His will (even in the face of death – Matthew 7:21; Revelation 2:10), the following events will occur when we pass from this life:
1) The angels will carry us into Abraham’s bosom, a place of blessed peace and tranquility (Luke 16:22).
2) The Lord will be with us when we walk through that valley (Psalm 23:4).
3) We will be with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; cf. 2 Timothy 4:6).
4) We will be reunited with loved ones – i.e., “go to your fathers“; “gathered to his people” (Genesis 15:15; Genesis 25:8 – see commentary; Genesis 35:29; Genesis 49:33; Judges 2:10 cf. Hebrews 12:23 – note “spirits of just men made perfect“ – see commentary).
5) We will be blessed with rest from our labors (Revelation 14:13).
6) We will receive a victory crown (Revelation 2:10; cf. 2 Timothy 4:8).
7) We will receive our everlasting inheritance (1 Peter 1:4; cf. 1 Timothy 6:19).
We will then live forever with the Lord (John 14:1-3; cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), with God (Revelation 21:3), and with the redeemed of all the ages (Revelation 5:9; Revelation 21:24).
Beloved, knowing all of the above, we need not struggle with facing death, but like the apostle Paul, be looking forward to spending a never ending existence with our Lord and with those who have passed on before us (2 Timothy 4:5-8; cf. Genesis 25:8; 2 Corinthians 5:1-8; Philippians 1:20-23).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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