The Sting Removed

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Susan and I will be attending the funeral for Jack Frost today at 1:00 PM in Conway, SC.

Someone aptly said You’re not really ready to live until you’re ready to die. Jack has faced what one day we will all face if Jesus delays His coming. Yet we can face death with anticipation of the glories of heaven. Jesus removed the sting from death. Here are some things we should all remember when dealing with this last enemy to be conquered.

The Hindu’s and other religions believe in reincarnation, which is a belief that a person will come back to earth in a form that is determined by actions in the previous life. Others believe in soul sleep; that the spirit actually remains in the body until the resurrection of the dead. The Bible teaches that at death the Christian is instantly taken to heaven to be in the presence of God.

Paul said that he was struggling with the choice to stay on earth or to go on to heaven. He said to die is gain. He said that to depart this life in death is far better (Phil. 1:21-23). He said we should have confidence that when we vacate the body in death, we are immediately present with the Lord (2 Corinthians. 5:8).

David said that in the presence of God there is fullness of joy, pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). God said that the death of a believer is precious to Him (Psalm 116:15), perhaps because the veil that hinders us from seeing Him is removed.

The famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody made the statement, One day you will pick up the newspaper and read these words, Dwight L. Moody is dead. Don’t believe it for a moment. At that time I will be more alive that I have ever been in my entire life.

Jack has finished his race of faith and is enjoying a new form of life in heaven. He’s joined the heros of faith called the great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 12 who are watching us from heaven as we run our race of faith. Abraham. Moses, Noah, Daniel, David, and now Jack are watching us from the grand stands of heaven as we fight the good fight.

Death is no longer to be feared by the believer. As Dwight Moody said, it’s a coronation day! Because of the promises of God for both our now and our future, we can face life today as a victor!