Going to a funeral is not fun. For family and dear friends it can be the hardest day of their lives. Death is a reality. Statistics say 1.8 people die in the world every second. Though it’s common and inevitable, death still leaves pain and sorrow in its wake.
Here is the good news. Jesus Christ has conquered death for believers. Scripture rejoices at this news, proclaiming, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. …Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54b-55).
In the 1600s, English theologians searched the Scriptures concerning the state of believers after death and concluded that their souls “immediately return to God, (are) made perfect in holiness, (are) received into heaven, (and) behold the face of God” (Westminster Confession of Faith 32.1).
Christ conquered death by His death and resurrection. Yes, we die. Yes, we deeply mourn the loss of loved ones. But those in Christ do not remain dead. They are raised to a new and everlasting life. Can you think of more joyful news for a hurting heart?