THE PASSING OF BELIEVERS IS A POSITIVE EVENT
We believers know of the wonderful rewards awaiting those that have passed away. This was covered in our previous program. Now we wish to review biblical evidence on how all of us should view it. This includes our eventual passing as well. How should we see it? First of all, God indicates that the passing of a true lover of God is a positive exit from a troubled world.
Isaiah 57:1-2 NKJV 1 The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil. 2 He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness.
When the righteous are ready and God removes them from this evil world. They will be spared seeing and experiencing a lot of the evil that is forthcoming. This is a good outcome. Further the bible indicates that we should not fear death like the worldly fear it. God will take care of us for all eternity.
Psalms 23:1-6 NKJV 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters..... 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; ...; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
David, a man who had a deep loving relationship with God said he did not fear death. That is why he was so brave. He knew he would be with God for all eternity. We all need to develop that kind of trusting relationship with God. The Apostle Paul realized that his passing would be wonderful for him.
Philippians 1:20-23 NKJV 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from
my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Paul views his passing as far better than remaining alive. He understands that in the next moment of his consciousness he will be with Jesus in paradise. Why might Paul want to remain in this present evil world with all the pressures that were on him?
Philippians 1:24-26 NKJV 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,... more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
Secular history indicates that Paul lived another six years or so before being martyred quickly behind Caesar throne. Paul remained behind to strengthen and develop the churches he had founded and to give them joy. The negative of any believers passing is obviously the sorrow of those left behind and the void it leaves in the congregations. Paul's growth was such that he probably was ready to be harvested to God but this was balanced by the churches needs for him. These Eastern Churches remained solid in support of the correct Passover for a number of centuries thereby proving Paul's effectiveness. Paul did not fear death.
Ephesians 1:13 NKJV 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 4:30 NKJV 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
We believers are safe and heading toward eternal life, being forever young. God has sealed us and the only ones who can break the seal is us. We can trust God and not fear passing.
PASSING IS LIKE A DEEP SLEEP UNTIL THE SECOND COMING
Jesus told the religious leaders of his day some of them did not believe in the resurrection that God is not the God of the dead. He is God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob and they are not dead but asleep and will be coming back.
Matthew 22:31-33 NKJV 31 "But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." 33 And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.
These great Patriarchs are not dead but sleeping also awaiting their resurrection at the second coming.
Romans 8:11 NKJV 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
1 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
People are sleeping until resurrected into a glorious future.
2 Corinthians 4:14-15 NKJV 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes,.. may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Paul instructs the believers not to worry like the unbelievers. God is taking care of them.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 NKJV 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
Paul explains to church members to not sorrow like the world. We know that believers are sleeping safely in God's hands and will be resurrected at the second coming to a wonderful future.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
This knowledge should comfort us regarding those that have passed away.
THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED WILL BE RAISED TO GLORY
The fate of believers is to be raised to glory or changed in a twinkling of an eye if still alive at the second coming of the Messiah.
1 Corinthians 15:13-18 NKJV 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty.... 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
Paul counters false teachings by explaining the sleeping, passed away brethren must be resurrected to glory or it is all in vain. Jesus is first of many.
1 Corinthians 15:20 NKJV 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Jesus is the first of those who slept in the grave to rise to glory. Many more believers will follow this glorious example and pattern,
1 Corinthians 15:23 NKJV 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
All who are converted in this era will be raised in the first resurrection the best resurrection. Wow!
Revelation 20:5-6 NKJV 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Blessed and holy are all those who pass away in Christ. They will have part in the first resurrection and never be subject to death again, they will be immortal.
1 Corinthians 15:42-43 NKJV 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
Glory awaits all believers no matter when or how they pass away.
1 Corinthians 15:50-55 NKJV 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. ..., and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality...
