Key Scripture: John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Relevance

"Don't worry, she's going to Heaven!"

How often have we said that to someone or heard them say it to us when a loved one is close to death? It's a bold statement, albeit true.

One of the greatest issues facing believers is coming to an understanding of the great divide between the time-framed life we're so accustomed to and the 'eternal' aspect that occurs when someone passes away. 

We read all the scriptures of eternal life, and puff ourselves up with faith, preparing. Yet, when that necessary moment we all seem to hate so much becomes real, it can still shake our blessed assurance.

God understands that goodbyes are difficult. He experienced one with His Son. He also made us, and included all the emotional sources that cause us so much pain. In some relationships, there are immense amounts of pain, loss and suffering.   But if we can grasp Eternal Life—the fact that, upon death, a believer doesn't die at all, it helps with our mourning.

The gap in our lives that is left when a loved one passes is the problem. The more we focus on eternal life and realise that, instead of dying, they are merely crossing over to unimaginable beauty, it helps us get through.

In the past week, I've had the privilege of knowing of two beautiful deaths—believers who went to their maker. I rejoice because they were saved. Each had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and now is the time they reap their glorious reward.

The first was our dear friend Paul, a man who was raised in the church but chose his own path—the wrong one— for many years. Paul was hit by a car 2-3 years ago, causing severe paralysis. At the time, he was expected to die, but miraculously, he came through. This allowed him time to dwell on his past and be properly led to the Lord.

It took him a while, but he learned to praise and thank God from a wheelchair, despite being unable to move his neck. He regularly attended church and men's group. His disabled life was falling into place until recently, when complications arose during a simple, routine medical procedure. This caused a dire situation from which he never recovered, and he passed away.

Do we miss him? Yes. Would we want him to return to a wheelchair life from where he is now? No! We console ourselves through the belief in God's promise of the glorious wonders awaiting him due to Salvation.   

The second incident occurred a few days after, involving someone closer to me, my precious Mother-in-Law. Lyn was different from Paul. She was also brought up in the church, giving her heart to the Lord at a young age, and has remained a strong Christian ever since. I was blessed by both Lyn and Henry (Decd) for 35 years.

For the past 18 months, following Henry's passing, Lyn's faith was on her own. It's a different situation when you cannot lean on your partner for spiritual comfort, especially after 65 years together. But Lyn leaned into Jesus, and her faith grew stronger and more independent.

But then came the ultimate faith test, the matter of one's own life and death. Lyn developed cancer. As Lyn approached the time for deciding on the treatment, she stood firmly on God's Word for those who love Jesus. We prayed as per her desire, which was not to go through the brutal treatment if at all possible; but if she did and went into a coma or the like, not to administer any revival techniques. Four days later, with a low oxygen level, Lyn was driven to the hospital in an ambulance for oxygen. There, she fell unconscious...and never woke up.

What a beautiful way to pass, all the while KNOWING she would move from one world to the next, not really dying. Lyn understood that whenever that time came for death to try and claim her, she would not die, but pass through to the place the human mind cannot fathom.  We can talk about Bob and Lyn's death, but neither is dead. They both passed through to life eternal. Here are two people—one living a buckled existence in a wheelchair, and the other aged and awaiting months of painful, debilitating treatment.

Philippians 3:20-21 gives us a mighty hope, especially in times like these. For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Folks, as with Paul and Lyn, believers await a fantastic and completely supernatural experience when their body dies!

Not all things unseen are unbelievable!

PrayerWonderful Lord, thank you for your promises regarding eternal life. It's a wonderful feeling to know that we will enjoy our future together, face-to-face. Praise you for how you lift the human soul and give such a firm foundation of belief.

Photo by Panyawat Auitpol