God’s Word says to not let your hearts be troubled, yet death troubles us all. If we are to be obedient to God’s Word – and not have troubled hearts – then we are to continue in God’s Word to find our peace and comfort in troubling times. Let’s do that now as we address yesterday's questions with His Holy Word – and may your hearts not be troubled.
Q1 – What happens to a person who dies?
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We have encouragement that this life is not the only life. There is life after death, an eternal life. John 5 says:
“Don’t be so surprised! Indeed the time is coming when all the dead in their graves shall hear the voice of God’s Son, and shall rise again—those who have done good, to eternal life; and those who have continued in evil, to judgment” (vv. 28–29).
All who live and die will face a judgement from the Father. Hebrews 9 says,
“And just as it is destined that men die only once, and after that comes judgment” (v. 27).
Those who believe have no fear, for we will be in the presence of Jesus. Second Corinthians 5 says,
“And we are not afraid but are quite content to die, for then we will be at home with the Lord” (v. 8).
The new life will be victorious. First Corinthians 15 says,
“When this happens, then at last this Scripture will come true—“Death is swallowed up in victory” (v. 54).
NOTE: There is no promise of help for a troubled heart that does not know Jesus.
Q2 – How does God help those who grieve?
Psalm 119 gives us multiple assurances. We have the assurance of God’s justice, we have the assurance of His character, and we have the assurance of His lovingkindness and comfort through troubled times.
“I know, O Lord, that your decisions are right and that your punishment was right and did me good. Now let your loving-kindness comfort me, just as you promised. Surround me with your tender mercies that I may live” (vv. 75–77).
The comfort comes from knowing Jesus. Jesus wept! Jesus cares. Jesus loves. Jesus prepares a place for us in eternity.
“You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement” (2 Cor. 1:5).
Q3 – How can I prepare for my own eventual passing?
Understand our own frailty.
“Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more. My life is no longer than my hand! My whole lifetime is but a moment to you. Proud man! Frail as breath! A shadow! And all his busy rushing ends in nothing. He heaps up riches for someone else to spend” (Ps. 39:4–6).
Understand that there is nothing we can do to obtain eternal life.
“Then he saved us—not because we were good enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity—by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
Understand that the loving Christ’s sacrifice was all that was required.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no eternal doom awaiting those who trust him to save them. But those who don’t trust him have already been tried and condemned for not believing in the only Son of God” (John 3:16–18).
Understand that not all will choose wisely, although the gift is extended to all.
“Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them” (John 1:12).
Q4 – Jesus asked, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
Jesus asked this question of Martha. And this is what Jesus said right before He asked the question:
“Jesus told her, ‘I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again. He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?’” (John 11:23–26).
If Marilyn had an opportunity to share one thing with us, now that she has gone to her eternal home, it would be this: “Heaven is for real.”
Do you believe this?