Introduction

1. THE LIFE BEYOND

2. THE CHRISTIAN’S HOME
3. BUT A STEP, THEN DEATH
4. BLESSED ARE THE DEAD
5. RIPE FOR HARVESTING
6. THE LAST CHANGE
7. THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE
8. THE CERTAINTY OF DEATH
9. PREPARATION FOR DEATH
10. DEATH AVOIDED
11. THE PALE HORSE
12. THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAVED
13. THE FUTURE STATE
14. SEVEN TRUTHS FOR THE BELIEVER IN PSALM 23:4
15. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
16. THE BRIGHT SIDE OF DEATH
17. RELIEVING THOUGHTS CONCERNING DEATH
18. THE BLESSED DEAD
19. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST
20. THE CHRISTIAN SERVANT ASLEEP
21. THE LOSS OF A CHILD
22. THE DEATH OF THE SAINTS OF GOD
23. HEAVEN A BETTER COUNTRY
24. WHAT WE KNOW
25. THE GATES OF DEATH
26. THE INEVITABILITY OF DEATH
27. AN AGED PILGRIM’S DEPARTURE
28. THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION
29. THE BELIEVER’S RICHES IN GLORY
30. SLEEP IN JESUS
31. FROM POVERTY TO POVERTY
32. CHRIST, THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
33. THROUGH JESUS
34. THE STONE ROLLED AWAY
35. THE REST OF GOD’S PEOPLE
36. THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN
37. THE VICTORY OVER DEATH
38. OUR RESURRECTION
39. THE LAST STEP WE TAKE
40. NO TEARS IN HEAVEN
41. NO NIGHT THERE
42. A SONG FOR THE SHADOWS
43. DEATH SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY
44. THE CHRISTIAN FUTURE
45. NOTABLE DAYS IN A PERSON’S HISTORY
46. THE REUNION TO COME
47. MAN’S LAST ENEMY CONQUERED
48. THE HEAVENLY MANSIONS
49. WITH JESUS IN HEAVEN
50. THE BLESSING OF GOD’S SAINTS
51. LIVING AND DYING AS A CHRISTIAN
52. THE FAITH AND HOPE OF JOB IN HIS REDEEMER
THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN THIS BOOK!
Pulpit Outlines Series
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52 Funeral Sermons
By Barry L. Davis, D.Min.

Copyright©2013 Barry L. Davis

All Scripture taken from the King James Version.

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 Introduction
Dear Fellow Preacher,
For most of us, one of the most rewarding, yet difficult tasks, is preparing
messages to preach and teach. We are honored by God to stand before our
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Our new Pulpit Outline Series gives you a starting point – a sermon title, a
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May God Bless You as You Share His Word!

In Christ,

Barry L. Davis, D.Min.

 1. THE LIFE BEYOND
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. – Revelation
14:13

The Bible teaches that life does not end at the grave. The eternal spirit and
image of God within us cannot be destroyed by the death of the body. John
must have had this truth in mind when he wrote Revelation 14:13.

Obviously, this is a view of death from the other side. Viewed from our
vantage point, death appears to be dreadful, defeating, and devastating. But
from God's vantage point, it is altogether different. He calls the dead,
"blessed." That word literally means "happy," "to be congratulated,"
"fortunate." Far from being pitied, God tells us that those who die with faith
in the Lord are to be envied.

1. THE DOORWAY TO REST

1) Death is the doorway to rest from our labors. The word

"labor" describes a wearing out from work, a wearisome toil.
It suggests to us that life is often hard. It can be full of
difficulties, disappointments, and disease. God promises us
rest from all of that.

2) Death is the doorway into that rest for God's people. We

need to thank God for death. There comes a time when we
need to lay down our burden and to be at rest. The word
"rest" that appears here is a beautiful word. It means to be at
ease, to be refreshed. It suggests an end to the toils and
tribulations of life.

This is what Jesus promised to us when He said:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light. – Matthew 11:28-30

In this world of trouble, we can know rest. But there is a greater and more
complete rest for us when we go to be with the Lord. It is the rest of heaven
and the presence of God. And those who have laid their burden down and
entered into it are to be congratulated – they are truly fortunate.

2. DOORWAY TO REWARD

Johns says in Revelation 14, "their works do follow them." We are all
making a record on earth. We carry the record of our life with us into
eternity. By the lives that we live, by the words that we say, and the deeds
that we do, we are laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Jesus said if
we give a cup of cold water to a little child because we are His disciple, we
will in no way lose our reward (Matt. 10:42). The Bible tells us that God
will not forget our works and labor of love which we have done in His
name as we minister to others (Heb. 6:10). Our works follow us. They
accompany us to the very judgment of God.

The purpose of the judgment is not to determine our destiny but to

determine our reward in that destiny. We are saved by grace, but we will be
rewarded by our works. If we have lived faithfully and served our Lord
lovingly then death becomes the doorway to our reward. And those who
have gone to a good reward are fortunate. They are to be congratulated.

3. DOORWAY TO RESURRECTION

While the resurrection is not mentioned in this verse, it is affirmed in 1

Corinthians 15:20-22:

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them
that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the
dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. – 1
Corinthians 15:20-22
The Bible teaches more than the immortality or the survival of the spirit of
man. It also teaches the resurrection of the body. Those who die in Christ go
immediately to be with the Lord. And when Christ returns the body that has
died will come to life again. It will be a new and glorious resurrection body
and will be like the resurrected body of Christ. As His body was
recognizable, so our friend and loved one will be recognizable also. As His
body transcended the limitations of time and space, so our body will not be
subject to the limitations of this life. As His body was no longer subject to
disease and decay, so our body will be an immortal body.
It will live forever.
 2. THE CHRISTIAN’S HOME
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we
have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with
our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be
found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened:
not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might
be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing
is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we
are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we
are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are
confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be
present with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
We are gathered here today to pay tribute to our dear sister in Christ. We
know that for all of us this is a time of sorrow--but it is a time of sorrow
mixed with joy. It's a time of sorrow because:
We realize that for a time we will not be able to see our loved one. Sorrow
because of a touch that will not be felt. Sorrow because of a smile that will
not be seen. Sorrow because of a laugh that will not be heard. Sorrow
because of a voice that no longer beckons us near. Sorrow because of a love
that will be remembered, but not experienced firsthand. Yes, there is sorrow
in this time of death – but there is also great joy.
There is great joy today because: the woman we honor is a Christian. Joy
because she had turned her life over to the Lord. Joy because she had been
bathed in the blood of the Lamb. Joy because she made the decision to
embrace the cross of Calvary. Joy because through the power of the
resurrection she now dwells in an eternal home promised to her by Jesus
Christ our Lord.
And we have joy in knowing that our dear sister in Christ now spends her
days where every tear is wiped away; where there is no longer any death, or
mourning or crying or pain. We can have joy in knowing that she is home.
1. HER DEAREST ONES ARE THERE
Many of her dear one's are still here with us. But although those whom she
has loved on earth aren't with her now, that doesn't mean that she's alone.
 1) God is there. He has called her home and was waiting for
her with open arms. Can you imagine the joy of finally being
in the presence of the One who created the universe? The joy
of hearing the voice of the One who commanded the light to
be separated from the darkness saying, "Welcome Home"?
The joy of experiencing the presence of One who is all-
powerful; all-knowing; and in all-places at all times? The joy
of being with the One who calls Himself "I Am"?
2) Jesus is there. He bid her welcome into His eternal
Kingdom. Oh, what joy to see the One who shed His blood
on Calvary so that all who have surrendered their lives to
Him could enter into this place of perfection. To touch the
hands and feet that were pierced for the sins of the world. To
be so close to the One who gave His life, so that we could
have eternal life.
3) The Saints are there. All of the Christians who left this
earth before her are there with her now. Christian friends
who she has grieved over because she no longer had their
fellowship – they are there. That fellowship has been
renewed now. The Saints who have gone before are there
and can welcome her home.
2. SHE BELONGS THERE
The Bible teaches us that this present world is not the real home of the
Christian. Peter begins his first letter by addressing the Christians as
"strangers" in this world. Again in 1 Peter 2:11 he addresses the believers in
the same way – as "aliens and pilgrims" in the world.
Christians who live on this earth do not really belong here. We are here for
a temporary purpose--to glorify God--but our true home is in Heaven.
The good news is that our loved one no longer lives as an "alien and
stranger" in this world. She is at home with the Lord where she belongs.
She is where she was meant to be. She is where God created her to be. She
is at a place that can truly be called "home.” She is absent from her body
and at home with the Lord.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my
Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may
be also. – John 14:1-3
 3. BUT A STEP, THEN DEATH
And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I
have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this,
lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there
is but a step between me and death. – 1 Samuel 20:3

1. DEATH IS A STEP WE ALL MUST TAKE

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing
befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one
breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. –
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20

There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither
hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war;
neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. – Ecclesiastes 8:8

2. DEATH IS STEP OF UNKNOWN TIMING

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil
net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men
snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. – Ecclesiastes
9:12

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and
continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not
what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. – James 4:13-14

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of
thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? – Luke
12:20

3. DEATH IS A PARTING STEP

As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the
grave shall come up no more. He shall return no more to his house, neither
shall his place know him any more. – Job 7:9-10

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in

the body, we are absent from the Lord: - 2 Corinthians 5:6

4. DEATH IS A STEP THAT MUST BE TAKEN ALONE, OR WITH

CHRIST

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. – Psalm
23:4

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the
rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire,
thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. – Isaiah
43:2

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and
saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God… And
they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my
spirit. – Acts 7:55, 59

5. PREPARATION FOR THIS STEP IS NECESSARY

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. – 1 Corinthians
15:56

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a
place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from
the snares of death. – Proverbs 14:26-27

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast
the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. – Hebrews
3:6
 4. BLESSED ARE THE DEAD
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. – Revelation
14:13

1. DECAY AND DEATH ARE WRITTEN EVERYWHERE

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. –
Hebrews 9:27

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing
befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one
breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
– Ecclesiastes 3:19

2. DECAY AND DEATH ARE CONQUERED BY JESUS

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. – Revelation 1:18

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also
himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy
him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who
through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. – Hebrews
2:14-15

3. THE DEAD ARE BLESSED IN THE LORD

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. – Isaiah 35:10

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which
are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we
believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my
Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may
be also. – John 14:1-3

4. THE DEAD ARE HAPPY WITH THE LORD

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,

reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. – 1 Peter 1:4-5
 5. RIPE FOR HARVESTING
Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in
in his season. – Job 5:26

1. THE SEED SOWN – LIFE’S OPPORTUNITY

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds
shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how
the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou
knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed,
and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether
shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. –
Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life
everlasting. – Galatians 6:7-8

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow

ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness
upon you. – Hosea 10:12

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word
of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. – 1 Peter 1:23

2. THE GROWTH – GOOD SOIL

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an
hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. – Matthew 13:8

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in
Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in
the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall
be fat and flourishing. – Psalm 92:12-14
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ. – Ephesians 4:15

3. THE FRUIT – A HOLY LIFE

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. –
Galatians 5:22-23

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the
day of one's birth. – Ecclesiastes 7:1

4. THE HARVEST HOME – A TIME FOR JOY

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before
thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide
the spoil. – Isaiah 9:3

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with
healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the
stall. – Malachi 4:2

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. – Isaiah 35:10

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him
that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for
thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. – Revelation 14:15
 6. THE LAST CHANGE
If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I
wait, till my change come. – Job 14:14
This was a very natural mode of expression for the Patriarch Job. His life
was a weary monotony at the time he said these words. Day after day there
was the same repressing presence of pain, reproach, and temptation. How
regularly they came; how seldom they withdrew, even for an hour. What a
gospel rang out of the word “Change” into the ear and heart of Job. Let’s
cheer our hearts with meditation on the certain change awaiting us all.
1. IT MAY BE AN UNWELCOME CHANGE
It is to some. The grave casts its shadow across their lives. But Jesus came
to save us from the fear of death, as well as from all other fears. Death is
robbed of its real sting; take heed lest, through unbelief, you invest it with
an imaginary one.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that
is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O
grave, where is thy victory? – 1 Corinthians 15:54-55
2. IT WILL BE A GREAT CHANGE
Our familiar calling, the body, our relations in the world, must be left for a
noble calling—a spiritual body—and for the spirits of the just. Yet, in
heaven, the newest resident feels no sense of unease. Although all things
are so different from those he has just left, he feels heaven is his home.
3. IT MAY BE A SUDDEN CHANGE
Sudden death, in the case of holy men and women, can be a mark of the
Divine favor, as far as those taken from the world are concerned.
It is dreadful when a man is snatched away, not from honest labor and
patient suffering, but from yielding to idleness, and anxiety or doubts.
4. IT IS LIKELY TO BE AN UNATTENDED CHANGE
We must die alone; the only one from your church, your city, your town.
Yet, though alone in the time of death, what a wonderful company of angels
shall receive you and bear you to rest.
5. IT MUST BE A FINAL CHANGE
The experience of celestial beings will know nothing of "change"; for our
idea of change is connected with painful separation and uncertainty.
 7. THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. – Mark
13:33
The veiling of the future is a mercy for most of us. We are permitted to hold
undisturbed possession of all the innocent joys of life up to the time of our
departure.
1. THE FACT OF LIFE’S UNCERTAINTY
Two related facts draw our attention:
1) The certainty of death.
Death is inevitable. We are born to die. Nature teaches us
that our end will come.
2) The nearness of death.
We all must die soon. How soon we cannot tell.
Some are called to account in the midst of their everyday life. Their
employment may be commendable, their aims good, their motives right.
But, when "the time" arrives, they must leave all.
Some are taken in the very act of sin and rebellion against God. The
Scriptures furnish instances of the sudden doom of those who were in
rebellion: the contemporaries of Noah, the fellow-townsmen of Lot, Korah,
and his companions.
But the wicked are not the only ones liable to sudden death. No degree of
morality, faith, or holiness can shield any of us from it. Many good people
have even desired to go suddenly. The first death was the sudden call of
righteous Abel.
2. THE DUTY OF LIFE’S UNCERTAINTY
“Take heed."
Many are heedless and unprepared to die. This heedlessness arises from—
The absorbing nature of earthly riches. Idleness. Ignorance. Heedlessness
will cause you to miss heaven. It will land you in the place of torment. It
will render you unfit for the coming of the king of terrors.
Watch and pray.
Live habitually prepared for your end.
Observe these three things:
1) Habitually believe in Christ.
All preparation for eternity lies there. Christ is all in all.
2) Habitually commune with God.
Communion with God takes place with conversion.
Adoption gives us connection, and opens the communication
between the soul and God.
3) Habitually aim at Christian consistency.
We owe duty both to God and man. Christian faith must
begin with God; it must extend to society.
Here is a warning to those who are neither watching nor praying.
Here is a reproof to the lukewarm professor and the backslider.
Here is encouragement to the earnest, expectant, watching believer.
 8. THE CERTAINTY OF DEATH
For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot
be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he
devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. – 2 Samuel 14:14
1. DEATH IS CERTAIN
Death stares at us upon all sides. The fields the other day were green; now
they are brown. The tree that stood by our door last year was a thing of
beauty; now nothing is left but the old lifeless trunk. In our childhood there
were strong men who were wonders to us because of their deeds of manly
strength. Where are they now? Go read their names on the gravestones, or
see them pass by the gate with decay and death written in every feature of
their faces.
So God teaches in His word:
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The
grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. – 1 Peter 1:24
2. DEATH IS OFTEN SUDDEN
Read the columns of the newspapers, and notice how many have been
recently launched into eternity.
How few really expect death when it comes!
God would teach us that life is brief; "But a hand-breadth;" "A vapor;" "A
flower of the field." That its end is uncertain. Christ said that He would
come "as a thief in the night." "You do not know what a day may bring
forth."
3. DEATH ENDS ALL
"Water spilt on the ground which cannot be gathered up again."
Lazarus was told of a great gulf which was fixed.
The foolish virgins found the door shut for all eternity.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. –
Hebrews 9:27
4. PREPARATION FOR DEATH IS NECESSARY
All realize this as far as this world goes, but few seem to realize its
importance when the next world is taken into consideration.
We fail to understand that:
The things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen
are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:18b
These “eternal” things need to be prepared for.
Because we are strong it seems to us as if we would live here forever, and
we fail to heed Christ's words, "you also be ready.”
How are we to make this preparation?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me. – John 14:6

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. – Psalm
23:4

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? – 1 Corinthians

15:55
 9. PREPARATION FOR DEATH
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye
think not. – Luke 12:40
Into Jesus’ lips grace was poured. There was no subject of importance He
did not explain; no duty He did not enforce; no error He did not expose; no
danger he did not point out. Fully acquainted, not merely with the secrets of
nature, but with the mysteries of the unseen world, He brought time and
eternity, the visible and the invisible, the passing and the permanent, within
the range of His teaching, and the knowledge of His disciples.
He carries you to the excellent glory, and you behold the nations of the
redeemed, enjoying the kingdom prepared for them. And so it is that our
Lord himself dwells upon this subject, and appeals to the consciousness of
immortality that dwells within us—to the lingering spark of Divine life that
still flickers unextinguished amidst the almost total ruin of our nature.
"Be ye therefore ready also." These words suggest two ideas to us today:
1. WE ARE DEPENDENT UPON AN UNSEEN CERTAINTY
Comparing death with the coming of the Son of man; both uncertain: no
calculations can anticipate it; no preparations postpone it. Yet, there seems
to be no limits to the attainments of human understanding in other areas. We
have discovered the height of the heavens, and the distances of the stars;
calculated the weight of the atmosphere in the most distant planets; and
arranged invisible microscopic organisms, discoverable only by the
microscope, into their genera and species. We have dived into the depths of
the ocean, and brought up the treasures of the deep; into the bowels of the
earth, and ransacked the center of the globe, for the wealth of our cities; we
have discovered the origin of almost every disease; and traced to its source
every kind of contagion. We have found out, in the animal and vegetable
kingdoms, remedies to all disorders, and relief for all pain; but we have
never been able to determine when we shall die. Few as our days are, we do
not know their limit; all the days of our appointed time we must wait,
whether we want to or not. The bounds of our habitation are fixed by
heaven's immutable decree. Man, the creature of a day, must abide the
coming of the Son of man. A tenant at will,—a little child who is to abide in
a certain place till someone shall come for him, and then he must depart.
2. WE ARE DEPENDENT UPON THE SOVEREIGN CONTROL OF
CHRIST
The coming of the Son of man. Who is this that comes and goes, and opens
and shuts, that allows one man to continue,—but commands another away;
—that has the keys of the invisible world?
He says:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. – Revelation 1:18
Happy are those who can say, "I know in whom I have believed." Happy are
those who, as they see Him approaching, feel no crushing fear, but look on
Him as one whom they have long known, and long loved, and long desired
to see; so that the love of Christ casts out the fear of death; and the certainty
that rest and triumph are at hand, overcome the terrors of death, and the
desolation of the grave; while they are enabled, through God's grace, and
the love of the Spirit, to say:
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him,
and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be
glad and rejoice in his salvation. – Isaiah 25:9
Jesus said, “Be ye therefore ready also.” Now, if there were nothing beyond
the grave, such a command as this would be a presumptive falsehood, and a
wretched mockery of the woes of man. Here is implied,
1) The immortality of the soul.
2) A conviction of the fallen condition of our nature.
3) An acceptance of the redemptive truths of Christianity.
 10. DEATH AVOIDED
“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou
this?” – John 11:26
Never die! What does this mean? Does it mean:
1) Freedom from physical death?
The world does not dread anything so much as death and
nothing would it hail with greater joy than a deliverance
from it. But so long as humankind is sinful, a deliverance
from physical death would be something evil rather than
something good. Death serves to arrest the course of sin, and
to prevent the world from becoming chaos. Does it mean:
2) Freedom from annihilation?
We are in no danger of this; and this in itself is of no
advantage:—non-existence is better than a miserable
existence. What then does it mean? Generally it means this:
—That nothing that gives value to life, nothing that makes
life worth having, shall ever die if we truly believe in Christ.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on
him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” – John 5:24
1. OUR SPIRITUAL POWERS WILL NEVER CEASE
What is life without activity? Worthless. And what is activity unless it is
beneficial? Misery. Faith in Christ secures the healthy action of all our
spiritual faculties. The perceptive, reflective, imaginative, recollective,
anticipative, will work harmoniously forever.
2. OUR SPIRITUAL ACHIEVEMENTS WILL NEVER BE LOST
What is life without ideas, emotions, memories, habits? A blank. And what
is it if those things are not of a truly virtuous character? Despicable and
wretched. But when these acquisitions are holy, life is blessed. Faith in
Christ secures the permanency and perfection of all true ideas, affections,
principles, habits, etc.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. – Revelation
14:13

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always

abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 15:58
 11. THE PALE HORSE
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was
Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over
the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with
death, and with the beasts of the earth. – Revelation 6:8
In this chapter of the Bible we have a description of four horses with their
respective riders. The first was white, on which sat an illustrious figure,
with a bow, and he went forth from conquering to conquer. The second
horse is red, to represent war. The third black, to represent famine: and then
comes the fourth, a pale horse, whose rider is Death, and Hell followed him.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE DESCRIPTION OF DEATH
1) Death is under a seal
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of
the fourth beast say, Come and see. – Revelation 6:7
Death is not under the direction and power of Satan, but
under the author, proprietor, and disposer of Life (Deut.
33:39; Dan. 5:25; Psa. 103:4).
2) Death is represented as riding
Not as creeping, or walking, but riding forth with courage
and power. Trampling as a warhorse all that come beneath
his feet.
3) Death is described as a pale horse
This may denote the general appearance of mortality.
4) Death is described as being followed with Hell
This word sometimes signifies the grave, and death throws
its victims into the cold loathsome grave. It signifies
sometimes the invisible state, and death hurries men into the
dark unknown world. It also signifies the place of future
punishment, and death consigns the wicked to the misery of
the second death.
2. UNDERSTANDING OUR DUTY CONCERNING DEATH
"I heard the voice…saying, ‘Come and see.’"
1) Come and see the antiquity of death
Go and look to the world's origin, and see how soon he
commenced his career.
2) Come and see the extent of devastations
No country or color, or people, ever yet escaped his ravages.
Wherever man is there death is also.
3) Come and see the spoiler foiled and conquered.
Jesus in our nature entered the field of combat; for a time
death prevails; but at length, Christ arises with power. His
sting is withdrawn. The Savior, standing on the neck of his
foe, exclaims, "I am he that was dead," "O death, I have
been thy destruction."
4) Come and see how death may safely be encountered.
Repentance—faith in Jesus, who hath abolished death—a
title for heaven, by justifying grace—a new nature—and
holiness of life, without which no man can see the Lord.
 12. THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAVED
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number,
of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the
throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their
hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. – Revelation 7:9-10
Those saved, before the coming of Christ, could be numbered as we learn
from the context.
John had a wonderful vision; he saw the outcome of the old and new
dispensations.
We must not construe the context in a literal way to mean only one hundred
and forty-four thousand, but the fact taught that those saved before the
coming of Christ could be counted.
1. THEIR COMPANY IS GREAT
“a great multitude, which no man could number.”
1) Because a large number of humanity dies in infancy.
"I take these little lambs," said he,
"And lay them in my breast;
Protection they shall find in me,
In me be ever blest.
Death may the bands of life unloose,
But can't dissolve my love;
Millions of infant souls compose
The family above."
2) Because of the continued power of the Gospel to save to the
end of time. The day will come when "the earth shall be full of
the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Isa.
11:9). We are, perhaps, only in the twilight of that glorious day
when all shall know Him from the least unto the greatest.
2. THEIR NAMES ARE KNOWN
1) "All nations," etc.
2) " Kindreds." We shall know our loved ones in glory.
3. THEIR POSITION IS EXALTED
 1) Christ had promised, "where I am, there ye may be also"
(John 3:3).
2) Here is the fulfillment, "stood before the throne and
before the Lamb."
4. THEIR SHOUT IS TRIUMPHANT
They gave all the praise to God and the Lamb for their cleansing, indicated
by "white robes"; and their victory over sin, sorrow, sickness, death, and the
grave, indicated by the expression, "palms in their hands."
Was your departed loved one a true Christian? It was by the value of His
atoning blood and the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit that he was
prepared to enter that grand assembly. He is now beyond the reach of sin
and death. He is now with the pure and good of all who have gone. He is
not dead; he lives in the highest sense.
Do you desire to meet him? Then trust in the Savior of men. There is no
other way.
 13. THE FUTURE STATE
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away. – Revelation 21:4
Death suggests questions about the world beyond. The Old Testament
answers, but they are often vague and unsatisfactory. The New Testament is
more satisfactory. Paul gives a brief description of the celestial body and
some of the conditions of the heavenly world. John, in the Revelation,
presents some pictures of the heavenly place. From scriptural teaching we
learn several characteristics of the future state.
1. THERE IS FREEDOM FROM PAIN
“neither shall there be any more pain.”
We are acquainted with pain brought on by sickness and other incidents of
our physical and social relations. We hunger and thirst on account of the
want of worldly possessions and the loss of friends. We can rest in this
promise:
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more. – Revelation 7:16
2. THERE IS EXEMPTION FROM DEATH
“there shall be no more death.”
Here we are in the world of the dying. Our loved ones are snatched away
and in regard to our own life we do not know what a day may bring forth.
In the future state "there shall be no more death." The everlasting life given
to believers through Christ cannot be broken by any power. The river and
tree of life will afford a never-ending sustenance.
3. THERE IS GODLY COMPANIONSHIP
The average human being craves companionship. There must be common
interests and similar dispositions to afford complete fellowship. It is
imperfect here. In the future state we shall enjoy the society of the
redeemed people of earth, the angels of light, and the Great God and
Redeemer. Having been cleansed from earthly impurity we shall be like the
other inhabitants of heaven, and, therefore, in harmony with our
surroundings.
4. THERE IS PERFECT KNOWLEDGE
Here we are annoyed because we know only in part and see through a glass
darkly. In the future world we shall know as we are known and enjoy the
blessings of knowledge that is free from earthly limitations.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know
in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. – 1 Corinthians
13:12
 14. SEVEN TRUTHS FOR THE BELIEVER IN
PSALM 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. – Psalm
23:4
1. HIS PLACE
The valley of the shadow of death.
2. HIS PROGRESS
Walk.
3. HIS PEACE
Fear no evil.
4. HIS PERSONAL COMPANION
Thou.
5. HIS PRESENCE
With me.
6. HIS PROTECTION
Thy rod and thy staff.
7. HIS PRESENT COMFORT
They comfort me.
15. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when
I awake, with thy likeness. – Psalm 17:15
Three things offer themselves for our consideration today: Consider the
nature of this blessedness.
1. THE VISION OF THE FACE OF GOD
1) The object of this vision: "Thy face."
(a) A sensible glory: such a glory was seen by
Moses at Sinai, afterwards in the tabernacle,
and at the transfiguration.
(b) An intellectual glory: Glory is resplendent
excellency, real worth made conspicuous.
This glory is the conspicuous luster of Divine
perfections.
2) The act of beholding glory has a peculiar respect to the
power of seeing. Sight is the most perfect sense; noble,
comprehensive, quick, and energetic. The act of the mind is
called seeing. The blessed shall have the glory of God so
presented as "to know as they are known."
2. THE WAY WE PARTICIPATE IN HIS LIKENESS
How strange an errand the Gospel has in the world, to transform men and
make them like God.
1) There is a sense in which we cannot be like God. God will
endure no such imitation of Him as to be rivaled in the point
of His Godhead (Ezek. 28:6-10.)
2) There is a just and admirable imitation of God: we are to
be imitators of God (Eph. 5:1).
3) Man already has a likeness to God: the material world
represents Him, as a house the builder; spiritual beings as a
child the father: others carry his footsteps, these his image.
4) There is a natural image of God in the soul of man,
inseparable from it, its spiritual immortal nature; its
intellectual and elective powers are the image of the same
 powers of God. There is also a moral likeness, wisdom,
mercy, truth, righteousness, holiness.
5) Assimilation to God in moral perfections conduces to the
soul's satisfaction and blessedness: "We shall be like Him,
for we shall see Him as He is." How great a hope is this!
Were the dust of the earth turned into stars in the sky, what
could equal the greatness and wonder of this mighty change.
3. THE RESULTING SATISFACTION
The soul's rest in God, its perfect enjoyment of the most perfect good, the
perfecting of its desires in delight or joy. Desire is love in motion; delight,
love in rest. It is a rational, voluntary, pleasant, active rest. It is the rest of
hope perfected in fruition.
 16. THE BRIGHT SIDE OF DEATH
Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! –
Numbers 23:10b
There is a holy covetousness, and these words point to an illustrious
example. We may covet love, sympathy, wisdom, holiness, usefulness, to
die like the righteous, and entrance into heaven itself.
Most people look upon death as a dark and gloomy thing without one
redeeming quality. But the death of the righteous, like the lowering clouds
that shut out the sun at noonday, has a bright side and a silver lining.
1. DEATH IS SOMETHING WE SHRINK FROM
True to our natural instincts we shrink back from death.
With the Christian, as with Pascal, it is only the supposed pain of dying he
fears. But the highest authority now declares that there is necessarily no
pain in dying itself.
2. DEATH IS THE START OF ETERNITY
1) With the wicked, death is a final goodbye to all Gospel
opportunities and holy companionships, and a plunge over
the precipice of woe into the abysses of a starless night. With
the Christian it is moving out into eternal daylight.
2) Much greater misfortunes than death can befall the
Christian.
3. DEATH IS BRIEF AND TEMPORARY
Our intelligent and spiritual parts are essentially imperishable. Death does
not destroy the inhabitant. It only takes down the house in which he lives.
The faithful believer never dies.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou
this? – John 11:26
4. DEATH IS PUTTING ON IMMORTALITY
The grave is only an inn. Man was created immortal and he shall rise from
the grave and live forever. Death shall be destroyed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality. – 1 Corinthians 15:53
5. DEATH IS OUR ENTRANCE INTO HEAVEN
1) It is the soul's liberation from all bondage, and limitations
that mar its larger pleasure and deter its expansion and
unfolding. It is like the worm that bursts its chrysalis and
comes forth a thing of larger life, liberty, and beauty.
2) It secures to the believer an immediate increase of all that
is good in itself. It is going from large opportunities to larger
ones. He is like one who moves from the poorhouse into
king's palaces and from plain fare to everlasting banquets. It
is departure from friends "to an innumerable company of
angels," etc. Death is his last conflict for his crown. Amidst
the shadows of the valley he shouts with Edward Payson,
"The battle is fought and the victory is won."
3) It is recovery of and everlasting reunion with departed
loved ones.
 17. RELIEVING THOUGHTS CONCERNING
DEATH
For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for
all living. – Job 30:23
The text suggests some thoughts of Job concerning his own death. Every
man must die, and every man may feel concerning his own death three
things that have a tendency to make the soul calm, and even brave in the
prospect:
1. THERE WILL BE NOTHING UNNATURAL IN MY DEATH
It is "appointed" as the death of every other kind of organized life on earth;
it is the natural law of all organized bodies, to wear out, decay, and dissolve.
As the earth takes back to itself all the elements that have entered into the
composition of vegetables and animals, why should I refuse or dread the
demand? I may rest assured that kind nature will make a benevolent and
beneficent use of all the elements that have entered into my physical
existence. Let me be ready to yield them up without reluctantance,
ungrudgingly, thanking the Infinite for their use.
1) It is dishonest for me to object to this; for my body was
only borrowed property, a temporary loan, nothing more.
2) It is ungrateful for me to object to this. Though I never
had a claim to such a benefit, it has been of great service to
my spiritual nature.
3) It is unphilosophic for me to object to this. Whatever my
objections and resistance, it must come.
2. THERE WILL BE NOTHING UNCOMMON IN MY DEATH
"The house appointed for all living." Were I one of a few, amongst the
millions of the race, singled out for such a destiny, I might complain; but
since all, without any exception, must die, who am I that I should
complain? Since Abraham and all the patriarchs, Isaiah and all the prophets,
Paul and all the apostles, Luther and all the reformers, Milton and all the
poets, Xavier and all the missionaries, up to the present period, have gone,
why should I feel a moment's reluctance to join them in the mighty house?
The fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live forever?
3. THERE WILL BE NOTHING ACCIDENTAL IN MY DEATH
"I know that Thou wilt bring me to death." I shall not die because of any
fortuitous incident, or because of any fatalistic force, but because my Father
brings me to the grave.
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his
countenance, and sendest him away. – Job 14:20
There are no accidental deaths, no premature graves. The eternal, all-loving
Father brings us to death, and for the Christian, it is a wonderful thing.
 18. THE BLESSED DEAD
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. – Revelation
14:13
In every other area of present existence, men's fortunes differ, but to die is
common to all. The stream of life, whether it runs darkly or brightly, slowly
or smoothly, is at last stopped by death. Other experiences may be escaped
by various pleas, but there is no escape from the darkness of death that is
coming upon all. It is inevitable, universal, and reasonable.
The text states a condition, describes a character, and assigns a reason.
1. THE CONDITION
"Blessed," i.e., happy, satisfied, at peace, utmost capacity for happiness
gratified. The Christian teaching, that death means more abundant life,
sounds like a paradox. But if that is true, it is not peculiar to Christian faith.
Everywhere life is conditioned by death. Every advance in life necessitates
death. Nothing lives save as it extracts nourishment from air or water or
earth, or from vegetable and animal tissues by a process which involves the
decomposition of that on which it feeds.
2. THE CHARACTER
"Which die" in the Lord. The blessedness announced is the result of
character and conduct, the character developed and made manifest by the
conduct during life. They who cannot think cheerfully of death have
probably never thought cheerfully and rationally of life. Those to whom
death is a mysterious, and therefore, repugnant image, to such, life itself can
be but a confused riddle, for they cannot as yet have any clear conception of
the purpose of their existence. Life's great end is to make us like, and
pleasing to, Christ. If life does this for us, we get the best out of it, and our
life is completed, whatever the number of our days. Such a life is the only
adequate preparation for a holy death, since the readiness for death is that of
character, not of occupation.
3. THE REASON
"That they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."
1) Blessed in themselves, being at rest. The weariness of
physical labor, the depressing reactions of intellectual
pursuits, and the strain of spiritual conflict—all are things of
the past.
2) Blessed in their reward. "Their works do follow them."
While the price of their purchase and their title to Heaven
absolutely and entirely involve, and depend upon, the blood
of Christ, their works follow as the satisfactory evidence of
having lived to, and died in, the Lord.
3) Blessed in their influence upon the living. While all their
personal labor ends with life, the influence of that life
remains with the living, so that, while dead, they still live.
Observation and experience demonstrate that, long after they
have passed away, the results of the life of the holy dead
follow them. Continuing, lasting power for good is the
legacy to the world of all who "die in the Lord."
 19. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST
1. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST POSSESS ETERNAL LIFE
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any man pluck them out of my hand. – John 10:28
2. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST HAVE FOR A REFUGE AN
ETERNAL GOD
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:
and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy
them. – Deuteronomy 33:27
3. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST PRESS ON TOWARD AND
ETERNAL INHERITANCE
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of
death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first
testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal
inheritance. – Hebrews 9:15

4. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST INHABIT AN ETERNAL HOUSE

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we
have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens. – 2 Corinthians 5:1

5. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST WILL EXPERIENCE AN

ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. – 2 Corinthians 4:17
6. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST WILL SERVE AN ETERNAL
KING
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:17
 20. THE CHRISTIAN SERVANT ASLEEP
David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on
sleep. – Acts 13:36a
David was a faithful worker, but his days were numbered. The time came
when his labors were ended and God called him to his rest and his reward.
As with David so with all true Christians; their lives are spent in service, at
length they fall asleep.
1. IT IS GOD’S WILL THAT HIS SERVANTS SLEEP
Our text teaches that he serves "by the will of God," it is equally true that
"by the will of God" he sleeps. His work is appointed; when it is done God
will cause him to lie down in the grave, which He has prepared as a bed of
rest for all His faithful servants. He will issue His mandate, then "the dust
shall return to the earth as it was" (Eccl. 12:7.)
2. WHEN SLEEP COMES WE CAN REST
Laid in the cemetery he is discharged from earthly service. He has run his
race, has reached the goal, and has received the crown. He has fought his
battles, vanquished his foes, and now exalts in victory. He has crossed life's
ocean, experienced its storms and fogs, and now has entered the haven of
everlasting rest.
3. WHEN WE SLEEP, WE SLEEP IN JESUS
United to Christ in life his dust is in union with Him in the grave. His sleep
is sweet; sweeter than that of the baby lying on its mother's breast, than that
of the laborer when his day's work is done.
4. WHEN WE SLEEP, WE STILL LIVE
The body may sleep and yet the mental and spiritual faculties be active. So
in the case before us. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been long asleep, yet
Jesus taught they were living (Matt. 22:32). Moses fell asleep more than
fourteen hundred years before the Christian era, yet he appeared on the
Mount of Transfiguration and talked with Jesus.
5. WHEN WE SLEEP, WE KNOW WE WILL AWAKE
The night shall terminate, the morning dawn. The Master will call him at
the set time, then he shall rise reinvigorated, refreshed, ready for new
service. He shall awake never to sleep again.
1) Let tired laborers be encouraged. There is a time of rest.
2) Let mourners be comforted. Your loved ones, who served
the Savior, are only sleeping. They shall awake to newness
of life.
 21. THE LOSS OF A CHILD
But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I
shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. – 2 Samuel 12:23
The context shows David in two aspects. First: Suffering as a sinner. He had
committed a great sin, and the loss of his child was retribution. Secondly:
Reasoning as a saint. "And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted
and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that
the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring
him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." The text
implies David's belief in three things.
1. THE SEPARATION OF DEATH
"He shall not return to me." He felt that all grief was useless, all prayer was
unavailing. The dead do not return again.
When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not
return. – Job 16:22
Hezekiah said: “I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the
world.” – Isaiah 38:11
1) There is no returning to take care of neglected duties.
Duties which we have neglected in relation to our children,
our friends, our neighbors, our country, we can never return
after to discharge. They remain undone.
2) There is no returning to recover lost opportunities. Lost
Sundays, lost sermons, lost means of grace, no one comes
back from the grave to redeem. If there is no return to the
earth—How foolish is it to set our hearts upon it, and how
important to finish its work as we go on. The text implies
David's belief in—
2. THE CERTAINTY OF DEATH
"I shall go to him." He had no doubt on the subject, nor has anyone any
reason to doubt. "It is appointed unto all men once to die." "One generation
cometh, and another passeth away." "We must all die, and be as water spilt
upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again."
 1) The certainty of death is universally admitted. There is no
room left for questioning it. Death reigned from Adam to
Moses, from Moses to Christ, from Christ to this hour.
2) The certainty of death is universally denied by many in
this life. All men live as if they were immortal. How morally
infatuated is our race! The good news is that the text implies
David's belief in—
3. THE OVERCOMING OF DEATH
"I shall go to him."
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which
are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. – 1
Thessalonians 4:13
1) The reunion he believed in was spiritual. It evidently means more than
going to his grave, and the mingling of their dust together. There would be
no consolation, in this.
2) The reunion he believed in was conscious. They would feel themselves
together, recognize each other as child and father.
3) The reunion he believed in was happy. There would be no consolation in
the idea of an unhappy union. He believed that his child was happy. Infants
go to heaven. "Of such," says Christ, "is the kingdom of heaven." He
believed that he was safe. He felt that he should go to him, and be with him
in that happy world.
 22. THE DEATH OF THE SAINTS OF GOD
1. THEY ARE GOD’S POSSESSION
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. – Titus 2:14

2. THEY ARE READY FOR HEAVEN

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of
the inheritance of the saints in light. – Colossians 1:12
3. THEY ARE MARKED WITH GOD’S SEAL
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption. – Ephesians 4:30
4. THEY ARE BROUGHT TO THEIR HAVEN
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their
desired haven. – Psalm 107:30
5. THEY ARE SLEEPING IN JESUS
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which
sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
6. THEY ARE BROUGHT WITH CHRIST
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which
sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
 23. HEAVEN A BETTER COUNTRY
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is
not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. –
Hebrews 11:16
The text refers to the believing patriarchs described in the former part of the
chapter; but is equally applicable to all who count themselves strangers and
pilgrims on the earth, and who are traveling in the way to the heavenly
Zion.
1. THE “COUNTRY” CALLED “HEAVEN”
"A better country, that is, heavenly." Sometimes heaven is described as a
city—a kingdom—a temple—an inheritance. In the text it is called a
country, doubtless in allusion to the country of Canaan, which was a
striking type of the heavenly rest. This heavenly country is only partially
revealed to us. Perhaps at present we are not capable of knowing much of
its nature, etc. In the text it is, however, stated to be "a better country,"
better, infinitely better, than the present world. It is better because:
1) It is a more exalted country. The most glorious part of the
creation. Where the God of hosts has His palace—throne—
court, etc. The heaven of heavens. Full of the the divine
glory.
2) It is a more holy country. Not polluted. No sin within its
happy lands.
3) It is a more healthy country. Sin is the cause of disease;
therefore, as there is no sin, there is no curse. No bodily, no
mental, no spiritual afflictions are there.
4) It is a more happy country. Sources of grief and pain, are
not feared and unknown. No seeds of bitterness—no crosses
—open foes—false friends—imperfect brethren—no poverty
—nor sorrows—nor toil—no fears—no temptation—no
death.
5) It is a more abiding country. Not to be visitors but
residents. Not visitors for a season, but inhabitants forever.
That inheritance is incorruptible—that crown does not fade
—that kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
 6) It is a better country, as it is the place of perfection and
absolute glory.
Perfect capacities—perfect enjoyment—perfect security—
perfect employment—perfect day. Unclouded light. The
height of glory. Bliss unchanging and unchangeable.
2. THE COUNTRY ALL BELIEVERS DESIRE
1) We have secured a title to it. By faith in Christ Jesus we
are accepted of God, are His children, and, if children, then
heirs, etc. "Begotten again to a lively hope," etc. Names
written in heaven.
2) We are longing to enjoy it. That better country is a
heavenly one. It is necessary, therefore, that we be heavenly.
Born from above. Heavenly nature. Heavenly dispositions.
Heavenly conversation, etc.
3) We labor and pray for it. We express our desires to God.
Seek grace to enable us to travel onward until we appear
perfect before the God of gods in Zion.
4) We talk of it, and live in the hope of its eternal enjoyment.
We seek the company of heaven-bound travelers. Speak of
the glories of that kingdom. And our souls glow with the
hope of dwelling in it forever and ever.
 24. WHAT WE KNOW
1. WE KNOW HE ABIDES IN US
And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And
hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
– 1 John 3:24
2. WE KNOW WE HAVE A BUILDING OF GOD
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we
have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens. – 2 Corinthians 5:1

3. WE KNOW WE ARE OF THE TRUTH

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts
before him. – 1 John 3:19

4. WE KNOW THE SON OF GOD HAS COME

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that
believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record
that God gave of his Son. – 1 John 5:10
5. WE KNOW IT IS THE LAST TIME
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall
come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the
last time. – 1 John 2:18

6. WE KNOW WE HAVE PASSED OUT OF DEATH INTO LIFE

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the
brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. – 1 John 3:14
7. WE KNOW WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for
we shall see him as he is. – 1 John 3:2
 25. THE GATES OF DEATH
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors
of the shadow of death? – Job 38:17
We have been in the presence of death. We stand beside the mortality of one
to whom the gates of death have been opened to let her soul pass within.
They open inward, and constantly they swing to receive the parting souls.
1. DEATH IS A MYSTERY BECAUSE LIFE IS A MYSTERY
1) No one has ever seen life itself. Its secret is hidden with
God. Scientists are searching for life, but cannot find it.
2) No one has ever seen life itself leave the body. We know a
life only as contained in a living body, death only as the
opposite of a living body.
2. DEATH WILL ALWAYS BE A MYSTERY TO AN UNBELIEVER
1) Accepting no revelation from the Spirit all spiritual things
must be unknown quantities.
2) Death is a thing of the spirit, because the material body is
practically the same immediately before death or
immediately after.
3) Death is a recognized fact, an unaccounted for fact, hence
a mystery.
3. DEATH IS NO LONGER A MYSTERY TO THE BELIEVER
1) One has opened the gates of death outward and returned
to tell us of death.
2) He taught us of death while still living.
3) The things within the gates of death have been revealed to
us by the inspiration of God through the apostles.
Sympathy for the grieving is deep and heartfelt, assurance of her welfare
and her gain cannot be questioned. Her life of faith and service terminated
joyously, and her death, like the sun breaking through a storm cloud at the
close of day, gave promise for the beautiful tomorrow, beyond clouds,
storm, or suffering.
 26. THE INEVITABILITY OF DEATH
For the living know that they shall die. – Ecclesiastes 9:5a
Life is but a short journey from the cradle to the tomb; and death, with its
concrete finality, must be experienced by men and women of all nations.
1. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN DYING?
The question is bold, and cannot be fully answered; for the living have not
experienced it, and the dead do not reveal the profound secret. Some
suppose that it implies an utter extinction of being; but they neither regard
the dictates of reason, nor the discoveries of revelation, both of which
proclaim the soul of man immortal.
1) Death implies a separation of soul and body. Man is a
compound being, of body and soul, of matter and spirit. His
body is of the dust; his soul is from God. These are
mysteriously united; but death dissolves the union, and
breaks the unknown tie.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the
spirit shall return unto God who gave it. – Ecclesiastes 12:7
2) Another thing implied in death is, a final departure out of
this world.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to
come. – Hebrews 13:14
3) The last thing implied in death is, an entrance unto a new
state of existence.
2. HOW DO THE LIVING KNOW THEY WILL DIE?
The living know, by the appointment of God, that they will die.
1) The death of others is a proof that we must die. Men are
dying daily and hourly. Perhaps there is not a moment in
which some are not passing out of time into eternity.
2) We know we will die by what we feel in ourselves. Every
pain we feel, every degree of weariness and weakness,
proclaims the approach of death.
3. WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE DYING A POSITIVE
EXPERIENCE?
1) We can improve the present life through which we pass.
Then, when we come to reflect, in the hour of death, upon
our conduct in life, we shall have cause to bless God for that
grace which has enabled us to do His blessed will.
2) Our sins should die before us, so that they do not sink us
lower than the grave. Death destroys the body; but it cannot
destroy sin.
3) Let us earnestly seek that spiritual life, which cannot be
destroyed by death. That person who is spiritually alive, may
look at death with boldness, and bid defiance to its utmost
rage. He has nothing to fear. God is with him. Angels wait to
take him to the regions of immortality. And even his
perishing body will rise again, to die no more. Amen.
 27. AN AGED PILGRIM’S DEPARTURE
1. CALLED BY GOD AT THE BEGINNING
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from
thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy
name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. – Genesis 12:1-2

2. OBEYED THE CALL OF FAITH

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he
should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not
knowing whither he went. – Hebrews 11:8
3. WAS JUSTIFIED BY BELIEVING
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted
unto him for righteousness. – Romans 4:3
4. ENJOYED THE FRIENDSHIP OF GOD
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it
was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of
God. – James 2:23
5. LOOKED FOR THE CITY OF GOD
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker
is God. – Hebrews 11:10
6. WENT TO BE WITH GOD
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. – Matthew 22:32
 28. THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at
even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming
suddenly he find you sleeping. – Mark 13:35-36
The great lesson for us to learn from this text is that we should always be
ready for death. This tabernacle must be dissolved. We should be ready for
that event. Since so much has been done for man, preparation is possible. If
preparation is not made, the results will be sad. If the soul is prepared, the
results will be magnificent.
1. PREPARATION IS POSSIBLE
1) Provisions have been made for our instruction.
(a) Nature's light; (b) Bible; (c) Holy Spirit; (d) Ministry of
angels; (e) Ministry of good people.
2) Provisions have been made for our cleansing.
Blood of Christ.
3) Provisions have been made for our spiritual development.
Laws of growth (conditions can be complied with).
2. PREPARATION MUST NOT BE NEGLECTED
1) Death is a sad event for those who neglect their soul.
2) His condition is miserable – "Weeping and wailing and
gnashing of teeth"—Pangs of a guilty conscience—
Remembrance of (a) Great salvation neglected; (b) Good
that might have been done; (c) That his condition might have
been better.
3) He finds himself unfit for Heaven.
(a) Impure; (b) Not prepared for the higher
service; (c) Not in harmony with celestial
surroundings (no kindred spirit there).
4.)A hopeless state—No second chance—Lost forever.
3. PREPARATION RESULTS IN GLORY
 1) Death for the Christian is a wonderful event. Beautiful
scenes meet his eye—A glorified Christ—A beautiful home
—Saints in glory.
2) Death for the Christian brings joy. Fullness of joy—
Perfect peace—Endless bliss.
3) When a Christian dies he finds himself prepared for
heaven. The preparatory course has been taken (a) Prepared
for higher service (b) In harmony with celestial surroundings
(c) Finds kindred spirits there—Heaven is home for the
saints.
How careful we should live, ever seeking that preparation that is necessary.
Nothing else can take its place. No grand funeral nor eloquent funeral
address by some eloquent speaker, nor flattering obituary written by some
friend, can take the place of that preparation that should have been made.
 29. THE BELIEVER’S RICHES IN GLORY
1. A SAVIOR IN HEAVEN
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20
2. A SURE HOPE
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in
the word of the truth of the gospel. – Colossians 1:5
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and
which entereth into that within the veil. – Hebrews 6:19
3. A LIFE HIDDEN WITH CHRIST
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where
Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ
in God. – Colossians 3:1-3

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places
in Christ Jesus. – Ephesians 2:6
4. A HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP
For our conversation (“citizenship”) is in heaven; from whence also we
look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20
5. A GREAT HIGH PRIEST
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. – Hebrews 4:14
6. AN INHERITANCE
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you. – 1 Peter 1:4
7. A NAME WRITTEN IN HEAVEN
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but
rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. – Luke 10:20
8. A TREASURE WAITING
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. – Matthew
6:20
9. A MASTER
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening:
knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of
persons with him. – Ephesians 6:9

10. A FATHER
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father:
but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and
your Father; and to my God, and your God. – John 20:17
 30. SLEEP IN JESUS
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which
sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. – 1 Thessalonians 4:14

"Salvation, O the joyful sound,

What pleasure to our ears!
A sovereign balm for every wound,
A cordial for our fears."
Yes, this is the glory of the Gospel, that it completely meets the condition
and need of the sinner. Man is guilty, and it reveals forgiveness; man is an
alien, and it brings him back to the divine family; man is unholy, and it
regenerates and sanctifies him; man is wretched, and it imparts abiding
peace; man is dying, and it reveals to him a better world; man is destined to
be the resident of the dust, and it throws its celestial radiance across the
tomb;—and addresses us:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which
are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we
believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
1. IN THE BIBLE, DEATH IS DESCRIBED AS “SLEEP”
"Sleep." The idea is very commonly presented to us in the Bible. The
metaphor of sleep represents death,
1) As a state of rest. And this is a perfect contrast to the state
of the Christian in life. Now, he is a servant, and has to toil
in the vineyard of Christ. But then the master says, It is
enough; "well done, good and faithful servant."
2) A state of unconsciousness. In sleep, the avenues of the
senses are closed. "We see not—we hear not," etc. We are
unaware to all events which surround us. So in death, we are
strangers to all that is done beneath the sun.
His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are
brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. – Job 14:21
3) As a temporary state. A few hours' sleep and it is over. So
death has not the sign of permanence upon it. It will only
 detain us one short-lived night, and then be over forever.
2. FOR THE CHRISTIAN, DEATH IS DESCRIBED AS “SLEEP IN
JESUS”
They “which sleep in Jesus." Now, this implies,
1) That they have been united to Christ in life in salvation.
2) It implies that they have died in Christ, as well as lived in
Him.
3) To sleep in Jesus implies that they sleep in the personal
certain hope of an interest in all Christ has obtained for them
3. GOD PROMISES TO BRING THOSE WHO SLEEP IN JESUS
“WITH HIM”
The subject refers to Christ's Second Coming. Then will Jesus raise His
saints, and they will ascend with Him, as His illustrious train; and so be
forever with the Lord. Those who sleep in Jesus:
1) Will have a part in the first resurrection. "Christ, the first-
fruits," etc (1 Cor. 15:23). "Blessed and holy are they who
have," etc (Rev. 20:6). "The upright shall have dominion
over them in the morning" (Psalm 49:14).
2) They shall possess the glorious image of Jesus.
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. – Philippians 3:20-21
3) They shall be coheirs with Christ forever and ever.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together. – Romans 8:17
 31. FROM POVERTY TO POVERTY
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out. – 1 Timothy 6:7

1. WE BROUGHT NOTHING INTO THIS WORLD

We brought no property into this world. We brought no accomplishments

into this world. All we brought was the mind of an infant.

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return
thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the
name of the LORD. – Job 1:21

However, we did bring:

1) A capacity for impressions
2) A capacity for imitations
3) Inherited tendencies
4) Self-determination

2. WE CAN TAKE NOTHING OUT OF THIS WORLD

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend
after him. – Psalm 49:17

We cannot carry out any property or possessions.

But we do take with us:

1) Our character
2) Our memories
3) Our rewards
4) Our faith
 32. CHRIST, THE RESURRECTION AND THE
LIFE
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in
me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and
believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? – John 11:25-26
In the history before us we have an account of a heavy affliction that had
befallen a family, through the death of one to whom Jesus had shown a very
peculiar attachment. He had been asked to come and help them, but He had
delayed His visit till the sick person had been dead four days. This He had
done intentionally, in order that He might demonstrate more fully to the
grieving sisters His own power and glory. Accordingly, when they stated
that, if He would pray to God for the restoration of their brother to life, God
would grant His request, He told them that He did not need to implore God
for this because He Himself was the resurrection and the life, and was able
to impart either bodily or spiritual life to anyone He chose.
In considering this most remarkable declaration, we notice:
1. JESUS IS THE RESURRECTION
Martha expressed her expectation of a general resurrection at the last day.
Jesus replied to her:
"I am the resurrection." He identified Himself personally with the act of
resurrection.
Our Lord, in His divine nature, possessed omnipotence, necessarily, and of
Himself.
"I am the life."
In this term our Lord proceeds further than in the first statement, and
asserts, that as He is the author and first-fruits of the resurrection, so He is
the very principle of life whereby His people live.
2. JESUS WILL RAISE HIS FOLLOWERS FROM THE DEAD
There is a remarkable correspondence between the two latter and the two
former clauses of the text; the latter declaring the operation of the powers
expressed in the former.
1) Being "the resurrection," He will raise the bodies of his
people.
2) Being "the life," He will preserve the souls of His people
unto everlasting life.
 33. THROUGH JESUS
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory
for ever. Amen. – Romans 11:36
1. (Name of deceased) HAS PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1

2. (Name of deceased) HAS JOY IN GOD THROUGH OUR LORD

JESUS CHRIST
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom we have now received the atonement. – Romans 5:11
3. (Name of deceased) HAS RECEIVED THE ATONEMENT
THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom we have now received the atonement. – Romans 5:11
4. (Name of deceased) HAS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23
5. (Name of deceased) HAS VICTORY OVER DEATH THROUGH
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57
 34. THE STONE ROLLED AWAY
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord
descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door,
and sat upon it. – Matthew 28:2
It is probable that Christ arose at dawn, through the sealed stone, and that
the angel descended "at the rising of the sun," when the women approached
the sepulcher, and rolled back the stone to show them that Christ was risen.
When Jesus Rose:
1. SIN WAS ROLLED AWAY
Before Christ's death and resurrection the condition of sinful man was
deplorable. His iniquities weighed him down, there was no remission of
guilt; every sinful act plunged him deeper, and more irrevocably, in the mire
of guilt. He could not shake off the burden of the past, and start afresh. The
past with all its horrors lay on him, like the slab of the tomb. But now that is
rolled away. "By the blood of the Covenant I have sent forth the prisoners
out of the pit" (Zech. 9:11).
2. THE FEAR OF DEATH WAS ROLLED AWAY
This was the fear which, all their lifetime, held men in bondage; like the
magnet mountain in the story, the attraction was irresistible, that drew men
to death. Think of that fear! To count the pulsations of the heart, as the tick
of the clock that draws towards termination. As a writer of old said, "Every
stroke of my heart that I listen to at night, sounds to me as the ax of a
woodman hacking down the tree of life." Think of the fear of death
weighing night and day on man, never shaken off, a haunting dread when
he lies down at night, when he wakes in the morning. Death feared, because
what it leads to is unknown.
Goethe, when dying, said in an agitated voice, "What is coming? Oh, it is
dark, it is dark!" Such is death to the unbeliever, uncertainty and gloom—
the stone is on the tomb.
The last words of the late Bishop of Salisbury (Hamilton) were, "Oh, how
bright!" with an indescribable smile—the stone was rolled away.
3. THE MISERY OF SEPARATION WAS ROLLED AWAY
What a bitter thing must have been the separation of the unbelieving father
from his dying child, the husband from the wife. No hope. A look at the
dear, dear face, so soon to be consigned to the dust. No prospect of seeing it
again, nor of hearing the loved voice. All the old sweet affection stilled in
that dead heart forever. An aching void, no hope to fill it, a blank future, no
light to illumine it.
I sometimes wonder how a non-believer could survive the misery of parting
with those dear to him.
But it is a different thing altogether to the Christian, the parting to him is
only temporary, the prospect of meeting again is to him certain—so that this
stone is rolled away.
Glory be to You O risen Savior, my hope, my desire, who has rolled away
the stone of my sins, and the fear of death that oppressed me and who has
given to me the hope, after this life ended, of meeting again those dear ones
who have passed from my sight.
 35. THE REST OF GOD’S PEOPLE
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. – Hebrews 4:9

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the
same example of unbelief. – Hebrews 4:11
All humankind are seeking something in which to find rest. The inquiry of
so many is, "Who will show us any good?" Most seek it in the world, and
seldom find anything except exasperation and disappointment. But the
Bible reveals One who is willing to impart a lasting peace. The Savior
says," Come unto me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest." The rest which Christ bestows in this world is comparative. It is
more than its recipients once possessed; but it is not complete. It is only the
foretaste of a fuller, a perfect rest. To this, the text refers, "There remaineth
a rest to the people of God."
1. WHAT IS THE REST?
One very common notion of it is that it is an entire cessation from labor. To
those who have been toiling all their lives, this is the prominent idea that it
presents to the mind. But it is something more than this. The word
translated "rest" certainly does denote a keeping of Sabbath. It is not a state
of mere relaxation. As the Sabbath, a time set apart for God, brings its
duties the noblest man can engage in on earth, so will this eternal Sabbath.
The Sabbath among the Jews was peculiarly sacred. No secular work was
allowed to be done on it. Toil was not permitted to defame it. The decalogue
even forbid the use of the inferior animals, so that it might be a time of rest
both for man and beasts. It was a day devoted exclusively to the Lord. So
will this time be. It will be greater, because it is a perfect rest. The rest of
God from the work of creation, the rest of man from worldly labor—these
were foreshadowings and pledges of the eternal rest. In what will it
specifically consist? It will be—
1) A rest from sin. It is for those who are purified from all
that is evil. The unholy cannot possess it. They will not be
allowed to partake of it. Nothing shall enter it that defiles,
nothing that makes a lie.
2) It will be a rest from sorrow. This often comes to the
Christian from the sins of others. When he is removed from
 these, he will have no more to trouble him. But these
blessings are only negative. It consists of what is positive
also.
(a) It is a bestowment of eternal life. This is
the Christian's peculiar privilege. The Gospel
has brought life and immortality to light.
(b) It is being with Christ. Now we see Him
but by the eye of faith: then we shall see Him
face to face.
(c) It is working for God without weariness,
and with full power and ability to do so.
2. WHEN IS THE REST?
It is future. It is not a rest in this world. This life is a life of trouble and
strife and toil. It is a period of discipline, and stern conflict. In it we work
for the future, and upon it the future depends. Like a day of battle it will
bring eternal peace, or unending bondage. It is true that this rest begins in
this world. It commences with the renewed soul when it first "looks not at
the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." It brightens
upon us more and more as we rise from the lower, the temporal, to the
higher, the eternal, life. It is fully revealed to us when we have done with
mortality and sin. Until then we cannot completely enter into, nor enjoy,
"the rest that remaineth for the people of God."
3. FOR WHOM IS THE REST?
They are a peculiar people. They are those who love holiness, and hate
iniquity and sin. Their hearts are set to do right. Though in the world, they
are not of the world. It is not for all men, because all will not receive it.
They do not wish it. They will not obey God on earth; how could they serve
Him in heaven? They hate the shadow of this rest. To some it is a weariness
and a grief. They would willingly abolish it from the world. How, then,
could they enjoy the substance?
To the one who neglects Christ, these words convey nothing but despair.
There is a rest remaining, but it is not for him. Again and again he has been
invited to the Savior, but he has preferred the things of the world to those of
eternity. He casts realities away for shadows. Therefore he will have no part
in this rest.
To the Christian, these words are full of hope and holy consolation.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come with the morning! The
sins of the past may rise up in sorrow before him; but he has a rest that still
remains. The world may be, and often is, a land of darkness and of the
shadow of death; but he presses forward to a land of righteousness, of life,
of light, of God.
 36. THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. – Revelation
14:13
How much light dwells in this familiar sentence! How many truths gleam
from it—gleam with all the varied beauty of the stones in the breastplate of
the Hebrew priest of old! We have here:—
1. GOD’S CARE FOR THE GRIEVING
"I heard a voice from heaven"... "Saith the Spirit." The apostle was
evidently thinking—a vision was passing before him that made the thought
very vivid, of the persecution of the martyrs even unto death, and of the
terrible havoc that the sharp sickle of death would work through the ages.
While he is thinking of the death that would befall men, he is led to
contemplate the voice and the writing of consolation. These come from
heaven. Heaven cares for earth in its bitterest experiences. The Bible is full
of this doctrine.
2. GOD’S RELATIONSHIP TO THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST
They "die in the Lord." They die, not merely believing in His teaching, not
merely breathing His Spirit, but they die sustained by His grace and
preserved by His power. The fellowship that Christian men and women had
with Christ in their lifetime is not weakened or shaken by any of the
mysterious experiences of death. Death rather intensifies and completes it.
3. GOD’S BLESSINGS TO THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST
That close relationship with Christ, in dying, has led to this fuller
development of their blessedness. "Blessed are the dead." They are not to be
thought of as those who have been taken over by some great adversary, and
trampled down by some resistless foe. They are to be regarded as
conquerors. That "rest!" What can it mean? It does not mean that they are
gone out of being; for non-existence is not rest.
Death is not the end of the spirit-life. It is resting, not annihilated—resting,
for it has returned to God who gave it. This rest is not a lapsing into some
stagnant, weird inactivity. For it is equally true of those who are said to rest
from their labors that "they rest not day nor night." These words cannot
mean that we cease to think—cease to feel—cease to work after death.
They indicate, surely, the fullness of life—the harmony of life—the
complete satisfaction of life. They who have gone to heaven partake of this
rest—the rest of Christ—the rest of God.
4. GOD’S INFLUENCE ON THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST
Dear to our loved one was many a project and plan born of love to Christ;
very dear some accomplishments into which, in loving fellowship with
others, they threw unreservedly their strength of body, and intellect, and
heart. For their sake, as well as for our own and for Christ's, we rejoice to
know that the seed they buried will spring up in rich harvests, that the
sacred tones of their teachings will swell into growing harmonies—that the
forces they set at work, however subtle and silent, will widen in influence
and develop and multiply till myriads are affected by the life-work of one
man. Lasting power for good is here described as the legacy to the world,
not only of our reformers and authors and preachers, but of all whose
Christly lives ended in a Christly death, and whose very death even, like
their Lord's, was necessary to their deeper and wider and more sacred
usefulness.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground
and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. – John
12:24
 37. THE VICTORY OVER DEATH
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to
God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1
Corinthians 15:56-57
These words may be regarded as the summing up of Paul's argument
concerning the resurrection of the dead. We will follow its thoughts in their
order.
1. THE STING OF DEATH IS SIN
How true this is we all know. If our conscience did not condemn us and
consequently give us an inkling of the judgment awaiting the sinful, death
would have no sting, nothing of that venom which tortures and agonizes the
soul in view of death, and that which follows death.
2. THE STRENGTH OF SIN IS THE LAW
Experience soon proves this declaration to be true. That which is unholy in
us rises in rebellion against the assertion of God's holiness. Sin is pleasant,
because forbidden, and makes that which forbids it, its occasion, its reason,
in other words, its strength.
3. WE RECEIVE VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST
1) Because He proved that sin is not a necessary part of our
humanity. He was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate
from sinners, though He was in all points tempted like as we
are. To live as He lived are we exhorted, "because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow
His steps, who did no sin, neither was guile found in His
mouth (1 Peter 2:21-22).
2) Because He gave Himself a sacrifice to redeem us from
sin.
God made Him sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might
be made the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). He
bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being
dead to sins, might live unto righteousness (1 Peter 2:24). Ye
are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body
and spirit which are God's (1 Cor. 6:20).
In this way Christ conquers sin in us. He makes us perfect in
every good work to do His will. If we sin we repudiate that
light and knowledge which enable us to see that the law is
holy, and just, and good; and reject that wonderful and
matchless love of God, who for us men and for our salvation
sent His only begotten Son to live among us, so that we
might know how to live, to die for us that we might reckon
ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
3) Because Christ was raised from the dead He gives us the
victory over sin and death.
(a) In this life we have a supernatural life
through the death and resurrection of Christ.
Paul says (Col. 3:1-2), "If ye then be risen
with Christ, seek those things which are
above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand
of God. Set your affections on things above,
not on things on the earth."
(b) We also, if we believe in Him, have the
assurance of resurrection unto glory.
Christ is risen from the dead, and become the
first-fruits of them that slept. He says, "I go to
prepare a place for you, and I will come
again, and receive you unto myself, that
where I am there ye may be also." So it is
self-evident that when He shall appear, we
shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He
is. Now every man that hath this hope in Him,
purifieth himself, even as He is pure. Thus
through Christ are we given victory over sin
and death.
Therefore, my Christian friends, be steadfast
in the faith of the resurrection. Unmovable in
the assurance that the bodies of those who
sleep in Him shall be raised at the last day,
always abounding in the work of the Lord by
keeping in subjection your bodies to holiness
and living a life of faith on the son of God,
who loved you, and gave Himself for you.
 38. OUR RESURRECTION
Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee?
Selah. – Psalm 88:10
The great question of the human heart is, "Shall the dead arise and praise
Thee?" or, as Job puts it, "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14).
So every child of humanity often finds himself thinking on this question.
After life here, what then? After death, what? Shall I pass into earth, into
unconsciousness and unrecognition forever? Is death the end; or shall I rise
again? Shall I live forever, shall I know and be known?
1. OUR RESURRECTION IS DESIRABLE
Man, everywhere and at all times, has desired to live after death. There is
that in our nature that is not satisfied with the things of this life, but looks
beyond to greater joys and happiness. This desire among all men has been
given expression in the various views and creeds held by the different
nations. We desire to live hereafter, because of friendships formed and love
experienced here. These features of life which bring to the soul its chief
joys, we would have continued forever. If in this life only we have hope in
Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
2. OUR RESURRECTION IS POSSIBLE
If we are the result of certain forces in nature, we must be closely allied to
nature and capable of its changes and phenomena. Our observation of
nature's growth convinces us that its growth is made by certain kinds of
deaths and resurrections. The harvest is the result of the dying grain. The
natural law of life is death and renewal of life. Our resurrection is possible
in God. He who created the body from nothing can renew the body in death.
It is possible in Jesus Christ who conquered death and is able to give us the
same conquering power. (See 1 Cor. 15:12-16).
3. OUR RESURRECTION IS CERTAIN
We desire it. God is able to raise us from the dead, and God will give us the
desire of our hearts. Certain, because God's greatest glory is in man's
resurrection; the effect of sin is death. Christ came to destroy the power of
sin and death. This can be fully accomplished only in man's resurrection;
therefore if there is no resurrection then Christ and God have failed. It is
certain because Christ has promised it. "I will come again and receive you
unto myself that where I am there ye may be also." So Paul is confident in
proclaiming our resurrection in Christ. (See 1 Cor. 15:20-22).
Yes, it is certain, for

If dull matter lives forever, why not mind and love so true?
Surely these are things diviner than all else within the blue.
Ever and forever singing, they go on their happy way;
And shall love, God's best reflection, have its part within a day?
All the spheres and all the ages, all the powers in the height
Tell us naught e'er came to ruin save the wrongs that yield to
right.
Beauty, pleasure, mirth, and rapture, are they what they seem to
be?
Faith and hope and love that figures in our life so constantly;
Surely these will last forever, for we know it should be so,
And what ought to be is certain while the cycles onward go.

The dead shall rise and praise God.

 39. THE LAST STEP WE TAKE
And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I
have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this,
lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there
is but a step between me and death. – 1 Samuel 20:3
1. IT IS A CERTAIN STEP
All must take it. Settle us in the finest spot in the most beautiful garden; let
the fairest skies smile upon us, and the clearest streams wander by us; let us
spend our time watching the flowers in spring, and listening to the bird's
song; yet, even then, that step would appear before us: even then death
would find us.
2. IT IS AN UNCERTAIN STEP
When we must take it we cannot tell. It may be tonight; it may be next
week, or next year, or not for many years. When, we do not know. Where
we must take it, is altogether hidden from us. It may be in the street or by
the way; it may be in the house, or far away from friends and home. Where,
is unknown to us.
3. IT IS A FINAL STEP
It is final because it puts an end to human distinctions. King and subject,
prince and peasant, master and servant. It puts an end to the present
character of human duties. The duties of parents and children, etc.
4. IT IS A PARTING STEP
It parts us from this world of matter. We must bid farewell to flower and
star. It parts us from friends near and dear to us. It parts us from ourselves.
That tender union that subsists between soul and body is rudely torn
asunder; that body we have looked at so long, nourished and cherished so
long, is left behind us when that step is taken.
5. IT IS A SOLITARY STEP
It is but one. Death is a lonely thing. We must take it all alone without
friends. Unfortunately, some take it all alone without God!
6. IT IS A SOLEMN STEP
The step of birth is solemn. "It is an awful thing to be born," said one man,
"because we have got into existence, and can never get out of it." The step
of prayer is solemn. To bow in prayer before the throne of Him
"Who holds the universe
Like a little fading flower,
That is worn upon His
Garment for a little hour."

is surely solemn. No less solemn is the step of death, for it conducts us

either downward into an unalterable and eternal hell, or upward into an
unalterable and eternal heaven?
Prepare for taking this step. We should all desire to get to heaven at last.
Then let us not forget that unless we repent and believe in Christ, except we
are born again, all our cherished hopes of heaven will vanish like a vision,
and leave nothing before us but the blackness of darkness forever.
 40. NO TEARS IN HEAVEN
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for
the former things are passed away. – Revelation 21:4
1. THE TEARS WE HAVE ON EARTH
1) Tears are often caused by temporary depression. The
laboring man weeps on account of the lack of things he has,
or inadequate pay for labor—he weeps, too, as he feels his
failing strength for his secular pursuits.
2) Tears arising from defective relationships. Some of these
are very intimate, such as with close friends and loved ones.
We’ve all shed tears over a relationship that did not turn out
the way that we wanted.
3) Tears caused by affliction. How frail is the human frame!
To what numerous diseases is it liable, the seeds of which are
often in our genetics, and by external circumstances, ripen
and bring forth fruit to death.
4) Tears are caused by grief. It is a solemn and an established
fact that "we must needs die, and be as water spilt on the
ground, which cannot be gathered up again," yet grief does
violence to our feelings, and deeply pierces the hearts of
survivors; for the relationships of life, generally speaking,
are most tender and endearing, and more especially so when
sanctified and refined by God’s love.
5) Many other causes of tears may be referred to. The
Christian weeps on account of his moral imperfections. He is
weighed in the balance and found wanting.
2. THE ABSENCE OF TEARS IN HEAVEN
"God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
1) Where? In heaven—in God's own dwelling-place. In the
Canaan above, where a tear was never yet shed, and never
will be.
 2) Who shall wipe them away? "God shall." Their removal is
Divine. His infinite love to His people insures it. His infinite
power will accomplish it. The immutability of His promise
and oath to save to the uttermost, is the security for it.
3) When will He do it? "God shall." It is future. He wipes
away many tears in this world. He wipes away the tears of
the repentant, and gives pardon and peace. He many times
wipes away the tears of the afflicted, and brings them forth
from the furnace like gold seven times purified. He wipes
away the tears of adversity, and his Providence turns their
mourning into joy.
4) How will He do it? "Shall wipe away all tears."
(a) He will do it affectionately.
(b) He will do it effectually; "all tears" shall
be "wiped away." The cause shall be
removed, and the effect shall cease.
(c) He will certainly do it. The language is
positive. "God shall." etc. The faith which
believes it rests upon a Rock—the Rock of
ages—the immutability of God. He will do
exactly as He has promised.
The removal of tears implies the enjoyment of positive good. Instead of
tears there will be joy—songs of triumph, and outbursts of gladness.
This freedom will be confined to God's people. Are you His?
How much we are indebted to Christ. He has entered heaven. He saves and
prepares us for it.
How dreadful the prospect of the wicked! Their tears will never be wiped
away.
 41. NO NIGHT THERE
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of
the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever
and ever. – Revelation 22:5
It is impossible for us to conceive an exact idea of what Heaven will be
like. It is one of God's designs that we shall not know on earth what He has
"prepared for them that love Him." (See 1 Cor. 2:9.)
In this respect God acts as a Father to us. As a parent will not allow a child
to see a birthday or a Christmas present until the day for its presentation
arrives, so God, Who has prepared for them that love Him such good things
as pass man's understanding, will not let them see those good things until
the day of resurrection.
Yet He tells us something about Heaven. He tells us of many things which
will not be there. There will be no more sea, no more curse, no more night.
But let’s consider the significance of the fact that "there shall be no night
there."
It implies:
1. NO MORE SLEEP
Someone might object, and say there is no cause for satisfaction in this. The
busy man, he would say, enjoys sleep. It is his refreshment after the labors
of the day. Heaven would be none the better for having no time of rest.
We answer, in Heaven there will be nothing to make sleep either enjoyable
or necessary. There will be no more fatigue. Yet, without sleep, in Heaven
"the weary are at rest."
2. NO MORE SLEEPLESSNESS
Few things in life are so unpleasant as lying awake at night. It is one of the
things that can sometimes make night dreadful. In Heaven there will be no
sleeplessness, because there will be none of the problems which cause it:
No sickness or sorrow; No anxiety; No anticipation of evil.
3. NO MORE FEAR
Timid people are frightened most easily at night. Men and women have
been found dead after a night's confinement in a dark and lonely place. The
darkness of night has this effect (in varying degrees according to the
nervous temperament) on almost all people. Even good people are nervous
and timid at night. Bad people are notably so. The conscience is an
unpleasant companion in the dark.
In Heaven there will be no more fear.
4. NO MORE SIN
There is more sin of every kind committed at night than at any other time.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. – John 3:19
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken
in the night. – 1 Thessalonians 5:7
Into the land of eternal day "there shall in no wise enter any thing that
defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they
that are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Rev. 21:27). In Heaven there
shall be no more sin.
"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of
the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light." Jesus, Who is the "Light of the
world" now, will also be the Light of the "world to come."
John, who saw it, gave a record, saying:
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for
the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. –
Revelation 21:23
 42. A SONG FOR THE SHADOWS
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in
green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou
art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table
before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. – Psalm
23:1-6

Henry Ward Beecher called the 23rd Psalm the Nightingale Psalm. He
called it by this name because he said the nightingale sings its sweetest
when the night is its darkest. He must have had in mind the words, "though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."
The valley of the shadow of death literally means the place of dark gloom
or black darkness. It has references to any dark and gloomy experience of
life through which we may have to travel. It is not limited exclusively to
death, although it definitely includes it.
These experiences come to all people. Being a Christian doesn't exclude us
from anything. Christians go bankrupt – Christians get cancer – Christians
have accidents – And Christians die, just like everyone else.
Death comes to us all and to all those whom we love. And while having the
Lord as our Shepherd grants us no immunity from sorrow, it does assure us
of His presence, His peace, and His promises. These are the things that
enable us to sing even in the shadows of sorrow.
I believe it would be helpful for us in this hour if we could take a moment
to consider:
1. GOD'S PRESENCE
The Psalmist writes, "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and
thy staff, they comfort me."
Fear is in all probability the greatest enemy of mankind. And the fear of
death is the greatest of all fears. As soon as people begin to love life, a fear
of death is born. That is understandable. After all, death is an unknown – a
mystery – and it seems so final.
But Christians do not need to be afraid of death, and we take comfort in the
fact that our loved one is a Christian. We are assured that the Lord walks
with us through the valley of the shadow. We are assured that He is here to
comfort us. The Lord is so close to us that He shares our hurts, our feelings,
and our pains. He enters into the depths of the experience w/us.
When our time comes to walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
we can do it with calm assurance, for the Lord is with us – His rod and staff
comfort us.
2. GOD'S PEACE
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
With this verse the image changes from a pasture to a palace. God is no
longer portrayed as the Good Shepherd. He is now the gracious host. In His
presence hostility and strife are gone. We are at peace w/our enemies.
What is the enemy David is talking about? It is death – the last great enemy
of man. And he is saying that even in the presence of death those who
follow the Shepherd can have peace. This is the peace that our loved one is
experiencing now.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because
he trusteth in thee. – Isaiah 26:3
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth,
give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. –
John 14:27
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7
It is only in the presence of the Shepherd that we can have calm assurance
and peace in the hour of death.
3. GOD'S PROMISE
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The word "dwell" means to "settle down and be at home with." When we
come to the end of our way, there is the prospect, the promise, that we will
settle down and dwell at home with God forever.
This is the same promise that Jesus made when He said:
And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north,
and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. – Luke 13:29
Beyond this life there is the Father's house. And it is pictured for us as a
place for unbounded joy and unending goodness where we shall dwell
forever.
When David wrote this Psalm, he had already seen tragedy, disappointment,
heartache, and even death. But he had come to know the Lord as his
Shepherd and he now lived w/confidence and assurance in Him. Out of that
experience he gave us this song we can all sing in the dark shadows of
sorrow. It is a song of God's Presence, God's Peace, and God's Promise.
 43. DEATH SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a
mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and
the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and
this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is
thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the
strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye
stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch
as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians
15:50-58
1. THE DECLARATION OF TRUTH
1) Something impossible announced. "Now this I say,
brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."
2) Something mysterious revealed. "Behold I shew you a
mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed."
In addition to the general statement that all shall not sleep, but that all shall
be changed, a peculiar feature is specified in reference to the resurrection of
the dead, as well as the transformation of the living – namely, the fact that
these great events take place instantaneously. The resurrection will be
accomplished in less time than it takes us to pronounce the word. Oh,
amazing thought! One moment the deep silence of the grave will be
unbroken; its countless victims will be all lying in apparently eternal bonds:
the next moment the trumpet sounds, and the reign of death is over. Every
grave is empty, and each ocean cavern yields up its spoil.
And so with the transformation of the living. Both events will take place
simultaneously.
2. THE FEELINGS OF TRIUMPH
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of
death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But, thanks be to God, which
giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1) Forthcoming. Some regard these words as those of the
saints on the great day. What they express will, doubtless, be
their universal feeling: but it appears to be more natural to
consider them as expressive of the apostle's own emotions,
when, under the influence of that faith which brings distant
objects near, the blissful consummation which he had been
describing.
2) Often realized. In many a place where the Christian meets
his fate, are the joyful strains heard, "O death, where is thy
sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" The believer is a
conqueror when he dies, as well as when he shall rise from
the grave.
3) Intelligent. It is not a mere blind impulse, but its nature is
understood. "The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin
is the law." It is by the extraction of its sting that the triumph
over death is enjoyed.
4) Humbling. "But, thanks be to God, which giveth us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. THE LIFE-CHANGING LESSONS
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is
not in vain in the Lord.
1) Steadfastness. This has special reference to faith. When
addressing the Colossians, the apostle says that he greatly
rejoiced in beholding, "the steadfastness of their faith in
Christ."
2) Immovability. This has reference to hope. We may have
difficulties and temptations, but a hope so strong should
inspire us with a full determination, in the divine strength, to
hold on in the midst of all.
3) Abounding activity. "Always abounding in the work of the
Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in
the Lord."
 44. THE CHRISTIAN FUTURE
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they
may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. – Revelation
14:13
Reason and speculation can do but little towards removing the veil that
hides from our view the mystery of the future. They can present nothing
beyond feeble analogies and uncertain conjectures, which appear to be
contradicted by many facts. But while reason has ever spoken with a feeble
and faltering voice on the subject, the divine word has spoken with a
positiveness that inspires confidence.
1. THIS REVELATION IS FROM HEAVEN
John tells us that he "heard a voice from heaven." (He was not listening to
guesses of his own mind.) It was from heaven alone that any certainty could
come. The voices of earth confuse and discourage faith.
2. THIS REVELATION IS OF PERMANENT VALUE
A mere voice might have died on the air, or even if its utterances had been
conveyed from mouth to mouth during the first generations, they would
have been in danger of distortion, but to make the views they give a
permanent possession to all ages, John was commanded to write them.
3. THE REVELATION IS FULL OF COMFORT
It teaches us about the blessedness of those "who die in the Lord" and what
it consists of. They are delivered from the trials and hardships of the present
life. They shall "rest from their labors." Labor means strained and painful
activity. This ceases in the blessed life. But the rest of God's saints is not
described as a state of idleness, for we are told that "their works do follow
them." They are still working in the line of their work here, but it is a work
without toil, without friction, and blessed activity, which is the essential
condition of true blessedness. Their work will be forever unimpeded and
harmonious like a song without any jar or discord in it.
Such a heaven as this is in harmony with the laws of our nature—it depends
on character, and it will consist in the free and unhindered exercise of our
powers in the line of the holy desires which we cherish on earth. The
heaven of the New Testament is a very different heaven from that we often
hear described from some pulpits. It is a blessed state, because it is one of
perfect rest, and it is a perfect rest because it activity without stress in the
service we love on earth.
45. NOTABLE DAYS IN A PERSON’S HISTORY
1. THE DAY OF BIRTH
Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. – Job 14:1

2. THE DAY OF CONVERSION

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,
forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. – Luke 19:9
3. THE DAY OF DEATH
And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death. –
Genesis 27:2
4. THE DAY OF RESURRECTION
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the
graves shall hear his voice. – John 5:28
5. THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and
Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. – Matthew 10:15
 46. THE REUNION TO COME
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which
are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we
believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the
Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall
not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of
God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort
one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Thessalonians had recently received the Gospel; and now some of their
friends have died in the faith. As they expected to remain in the body until
the Lord returned, and because some had fallen asleep through Jesus, they
were troubled beyond measure. To counteract this tendency to focus on
grief and trouble, the apostle consoles them with the pleasing hope of a
happy and eternal reunion with the departed when the Lord appears in
glory.
1. THERE WILL BE A REUNION
The dead have not perished. This separation will not be eternal. The
departed will not lose anything. The living shall not precede the departed
saints into the blessedness of eternal fellowship with Jesus (v.15. Both shall
be caught up into the clouds and be with the Lord forever (v.17).
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great
power and glory. – Mark 13:26
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you
unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. – John 14:3
2. THIS REUNION IS BASED ON GOD’S PROMISES
This hope is built on a solid and indestructible foundation, because—
1) It is founded on the living Christ (v.14). The Lord's
resurrection is the foundation of hope.
 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us
again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead. – 1 Peter 1:3
2) It is founded on the Lord's promised and expected return.
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from
the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to
come. – 1 Thessalonians 1:10
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went
up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which
also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into
heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into
heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go
into heaven. – Acts 1:10-11
3. THIS REUNION WILL BE FULLY REALIZED
When the Lord visibly descends from heaven with great glory and power it
shall be realized (v.16).
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall
all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming
in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his
angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his
elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. – Matthew
24:30-31
1) God will then bring the spirits of just men made perfect
with Him (v.14).
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these,
saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his
saints. – Jude 1:14
2) The dead raised (v.16). Before this promised reunion shall
take place, the dead in Christ, must be raised with
incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and spiritual bodies.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in
corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in
dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is
 raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a
spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a
spiritual body. – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
3) And the living transformed. Then this final, happy, and
eternal reunion and association of the living and dead shall
be realized.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead
shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For
this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal
must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have
put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on
immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is
written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is
thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death
is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to
God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
4. THIS REUNION FILLS US WITH HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Encourage, console, strengthen, and cheer one another (v.18).
1) The grieving consoled. The believer in Jesus Christ,
should not, as the unbelievers do, in the presence of death
give way to hopeless grief.
2) Do you believe Jesus died and arose from the dead? Do
you believe He is alive forevermore? Do you believe what
He said: "Because I live ye shall live also"? Let this belief
moderate your sorrow for the dead.
3) Do you expect the Lord's return? If so, you should not be
troubled about the present condition and future state of
departed saints. As the Lord's death and resurrection are
pledges of the resurrection and glorification of all who have
died in the Lord, you should rejoice in the hope of an
unending association with them in the city of God.
 47. MAN’S LAST ENEMY CONQUERED
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. – 1 Corinthians 15:26
Christ—the greatness of his power—the certainty of his triumph—the
extent and duration of his reign, are the great facts set forth here. Paul from
his point of observation sweeps the entire field of conflict, sees foe after foe
falling before the advancing conqueror until the last enemy has surrendered
and Christ is everywhere triumphant.
The text supplies us with a suitable and comforting theme for this sad time
and place in, "Man's last enemy conquered."
1. DEATH IS AN ENEMY
Attempt to disguise it as you may by poetic description or pleasing figures
of speech, the fact remains that death is an enemy. An enemy whom money
cannot bribe—strength defy, or power defeat. An enemy blind to our tears
—deaf to our prayers—unmindful of our grief. He has invaded our homes
and robbed them of their light and joy. He has arrested our loved ones and
borne them away to the gloomy prison-house of the grave. He has
compelled us again and again in our anguish to cry out,
"Oh for the touch of a vanished hand,
And the sound of a voice that is still!"
What death has done for our friends he will surely do for us. Each one of us
can say with Job, "For I know that those will bring me to death and to the
house appointed for all living." Some of us may die sooner than others, but
all at last. We are marching in a great procession toward the grave. Death is
an enemy, universal, untiring, irresistible, and cruel.
2. DEATH IS DESTROYED
1) The Scriptures declare it.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all
that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come
forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life;
and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of
damnation. – John 5:28-29
The chapter from which this text is taken is a masterly and
unanswerable argument for the resurrection of the dead, and
to every thoughtful person must put beyond reasonable
question the fact of the final and irrecoverable overthrow of
man's last enemy—Death.
2) Christ illustrated and proved the fact by raising from the
dead the Ruler's daughter—the widow's son—Lazarus.
By his own resurrection, of which there can be no doubt. He
then led captivity captive. His resurrection is the proof and
pledge of ours. Our last enemy shall be destroyed!
Let this thought comfort us in this sad hour. We may be
compelled to bury our loved ones, but they shall surely live
again. We may see them, and know them, and live with them
forever.
 48. THE HEAVENLY MANSIONS
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my
Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may
be also. – John 14:1-3
1. THE MANSIONS DESCRIBED
“In my Father's House.”
This description conveys the idea.
1) Of Locality. Where this house is, no one can say. But it
must be where God is. Though He fills all places; though the
heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, yet in the boundless
universe there is one peculiar, appropriate, and magnificent
place which He has allotted for Himself, His attendants and
saints, to dwell in forever.
That heaven is a place appears certain; because it is destined
to receive into its spacious mansions at the last day, the
glorified material bodies of all the saints; and even now that
of Christ, and those of Enoch, Moses, and Elias, are there.
Heaven has been too much considered as a state only, and
not as a place; and thus it has lost much of the interest which
it would have otherwise created in the mind. It is true that
heaven derives its attractive influence from its being a state
of happiness; for what is place, even the most beautiful,
when the mind is unhappy?
2) Of Majesty. "My Father's house." The house of Deity.
How magnificent must that house be which is the residence
of the infinite Creator and Governor of all worlds—the Head
of a boundless universe!
3) Of Home. "My Father's house" suggests this idea. From
that house He came, and for a season dwelt in this world of
sorrow. He therefore left His home, but having finished His
work, was about to return.
2. THE MANSIONS EXPLORED
This representation of heaven implies,
1) Ample accommodation. "Many mansions."
2) Variety. "Many mansions." The sources of blessedness
will be numerous and diverse.
3) Therefore the heavenly mansions will be infinitely
suitable and adapted to sanctified souls. This is evident from
what has already been stated:—the locality—the majesty,
etc.
4) Mansions of stability. Not like a tent or tabernacle, always
changing places.
5) Mansions of eternal permanency. "Mansions," in the
original means to remain, to continue, or abiding places,—
called in another place, "everlasting habitations."
 49. WITH JESUS IN HEAVEN
1. THE LIGHT OF HEAVEN IS THE FACE OF JESUS
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And
there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the
sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and
ever. – Revelation 22:4-5
2. THE JOY OF HEAVEN IS THE PRESENCE OF JESUS
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and
in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven
horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all
the earth. – Revelation 5:6
3. THE MELODY OF HEAVEN IS THE NAME OF JESUS
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it
not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of
Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. –
Revelation 19:10

4. THE HARMONY OF HEAVEN IS THE PRAISE OF JESUS

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the
earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying,
Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. – Revelation 5:13
5. THE THEME OFHEAVEN IS THE WORK OF JESUS
And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on
the throne, who liveth for ever and ever. – Revelation 4:9
6. THE FULLNESS OF HEAVEN IS JESUS HIMSELF
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are
the temple of it. – Revelation 21:22
 50. THE BLESSING OF GOD’S SAINTS
1. SAINTS ARE CALLED TO AN ETERNAL GLORY

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by
Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish,
strengthen, settle you. – 1 Peter 5:10
2. SAINTS ARE SAVED WITH AN ETERNAL SALVATION
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all
them that obey him. – Hebrews 5:9

3. SAINTS ARE BLESSED WITH AN ETERNAL PURPOSE

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will. – Ephesians 1:11
4. SAINTS ARE PURCHASED WITH AN ETERNAL REDEMPTION
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in
once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. –
Hebrews 9:12
5. SAINTS ARE SEALED WITH AN ETERNAL SPIRIT
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead
works to serve the living God? – Hebrews 9:14
 51. LIVING AND DYING AS A CHRISTIAN
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we
have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with
our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be
found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened:
not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might
be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing
is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we
are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we
are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are
confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be
present with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:1-8

1. WE HAVE A BUILDING FROM GOD

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my
Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may
be also. – John 14:1-3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according
to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible,
and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time. – 1 Peter 1:3-5
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 15:58
TO LIVE AS A CHRISTIAN IS TO LIVE A LIFE OF HOPE.
2. WE GROAN AS WE LONG FOR THAT DAY
In Christ we have a deep longing for our reward.
1) To have that home, John 14:1-3 (above).
2) To be with Jesus.
 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall
appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. –
1 John 3:2
3) To leave behind pain and sorrow of this world.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the
tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with
them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for
the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the
throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto
me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said
unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning
and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the
fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall
inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my
son. – Revelation 21:3-7
TO LIVE AS A CHRISTIAN IS TO LIVE A LIFE OF GROANING.
3. WE LIVE AND DIE CONFIDENTLY
1) Like Peter
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the
Son of the living God. – Matthew 16:16
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye
call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth
according to every man's work, pass the time of your
sojourning here in fear. – 1 Peter 1:16-17
2) Like Paul
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I
am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am
persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have
committed unto him against that day. – 2 Timothy 1:12
3) Like John
 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his
disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are
written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
of God; and that believing ye might have life through his
name. – John 20:30-31
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you,
that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our
fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
– 1 John 1:3
TO LIVE AS A CHRISTIAN IS TO LIVE A LIFE OF CONFIDENCE.
 52. THE FAITH AND HOPE OF JOB IN HIS
REDEEMER
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my
flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall
behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. – Job
19:25-27
Job was weighed down by a heavy load of afflictions, and misrepresented
by his mistaken friends, yet he looked forward to the coming of his
Redeemer; and had a comfortable assurance that he would avenge his
wrongs, raise him from the dead, and bless him with the heavenly vision.
1. JOB HAD A LIVING REDEEMER
1) Christ is the Redeemer of men. He bought us with His
blood. We "were not redeemed with corruptible things, as
silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a
Lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Pet. 1:19). He
saves and delivers His people from the guilt and power, and
from the pollution and punishment of sin. He "gave Himself
for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify
unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Tit.
2:14). And He will vindicate and avenge His church: in
allusion to this, He says, "The day of vengeance is in My
heart, and the year of My redeemer is come" (Isa. 63:4).
2) The Son of God, our Great Redeemer, was living in the
days of Job; and he had a saving interest in him, in the
afflictions which he suffered from the devil and from men.
He says, "My Redeemer liveth." If our Lord had no existence
prior to His incarnation, Job should have spoken in the future
tense, saying, "I know that my Redeemer shall live;" but he
spoke correctly, for his Redeemer was then living. He had
glory with the Father "before the world was" (John 17:5). He
was rich in a prior state of existence, yet for our sakes "He
became poor" (2 Cor. 8:9). He was the only begotten Son of
the Father (John 3:16).
 3) Job knew his Divine Redeemer. But how did he attain that
knowledge? It might be by tradition. God had promised a
Savior and deliverer, and that promise was handed down
from one generation to another. Besides, the promise which
was given to Abraham, "In thy seed shall all the nations of
the earth be blessed," was probably well known to Job; but it
is most probable he knew his Redeemer by immediate
revelation. God might make a discovery of this great truth to
him,—first, to support him on his unparalleled affliction;
and, secondly, to comfort and encourage the Church in the
ages to come.
2. JOB HAD A JOYFUL HOPE OF RESURRECTION FROM THE
DEAD
1) He positively affirms that, after the destruction of his
body, he should see God in his flesh. But how can that be the
case, either with him or others, if the dead do not rise? Man
was created with a body, and will live in an embodied state,
to all eternity; but that cannot be without a resurrection,
because his earthly and material frame returns to dust, as a
sad punishment of his apostasy from God (Gen. 3:19). How
God will raise the dead is unknown; but the fact is certain. It
was revealed to Job, and has been undeniably proved by the
resurrection of Jesus. With these eyes of flesh we shall see
God our Savior. What a happy sight! Then the sorrows of
life will be past, death will be destroyed, and a blessed
eternity will follow!
2) I shall see for myself, he says, "and mine eyes shall
behold, and not another." Good men wish well to all; but
they claim the blessings of grace and glory as their own.
Others, no doubt, will see and enjoy the Redeemer; but I
shall see and enjoy Him for myself. He will appear in my
cause; He will deliver me from death and the grave; He will
vindicate my character; and He will avenge me of my foes.
And all this will take place, though my body fails
completely; for all things are possible with God; and He who
made the world can raise the dead.
THANK YOU FOR
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 Table of Contents
Introduction
1. THE LIFE BEYOND
2. THE CHRISTIAN’S HOME
3. BUT A STEP, THEN DEATH
4. BLESSED ARE THE DEAD
5. RIPE FOR HARVESTING
6. THE LAST CHANGE
7. THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE
8. THE CERTAINTY OF DEATH
9. PREPARATION FOR DEATH
10. DEATH AVOIDED
11. THE PALE HORSE
12. THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAVED
13. THE FUTURE STATE
14. SEVEN TRUTHS FOR THE BELIEVER IN PSALM 23:4
15. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
16. THE BRIGHT SIDE OF DEATH
17. RELIEVING THOUGHTS CONCERNING DEATH
18. THE BLESSED DEAD
19. THOSE WHO DIE IN CHRIST
20. THE CHRISTIAN SERVANT ASLEEP
21. THE LOSS OF A CHILD
22. THE DEATH OF THE SAINTS OF GOD
23. HEAVEN A BETTER COUNTRY
24. WHAT WE KNOW
25. THE GATES OF DEATH
26. THE INEVITABILITY OF DEATH
27. AN AGED PILGRIM’S DEPARTURE
28. THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION
29. THE BELIEVER’S RICHES IN GLORY
30. SLEEP IN JESUS
31. FROM POVERTY TO POVERTY
32. CHRIST, THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
33. THROUGH JESUS
34. THE STONE ROLLED AWAY
35. THE REST OF GOD’S PEOPLE
36. THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN
37. THE VICTORY OVER DEATH
38. OUR RESURRECTION
39. THE LAST STEP WE TAKE
40. NO TEARS IN HEAVEN
41. NO NIGHT THERE
42. A SONG FOR THE SHADOWS
43. DEATH SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY
44. THE CHRISTIAN FUTURE
45. NOTABLE DAYS IN A PERSON’S HISTORY
46. THE REUNION TO COME
47. MAN’S LAST ENEMY CONQUERED
48. THE HEAVENLY MANSIONS
49. WITH JESUS IN HEAVEN
50. THE BLESSING OF GOD’S SAINTS
51. LIVING AND DYING AS A CHRISTIAN
52. THE FAITH AND HOPE OF JOB IN HIS REDEEMER
THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN THIS BOOK!
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