To lose a loved one or a friend to death is a traumatic experience to say the least. Most,
if not all of us, have been there. Particularly for those who believe in heaven and hell, it is only natural to want the best for them after death. Unfortunately, far too many people do not face reality at this point.
For several years now, I have noticed comments made by the living concerning those who have died before us. I have noticed especially those comments made of the deceased that brought alarm and sadness to play.
There are many cases where only God knows the eternal destiny of an individual who dies, but He gives us a strong clue as to what to look for in someone’s life as to whether or not they are a child of God. Please read Matthew 7:13-29. John the Apostle also states,
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (1 John 2:19)
The comments below have been stated of people who have passed away, but never showed any signs of faith in Jesus Christ being alive in their lives, and actually most were quite the contrary.
· I’m sure ______ has a party rocking in heaven right now.
· ______ has gone home now, guided by his faith and by the light of those he
has loved and lost.
· May God Bless ______, and may he rest in eternal peace.
· Your works, all of them, over many years praise you.
· She is resting peacefully next to her son.
· I would like to end by thanking God for taking ______ at her most beautiful and radiant.
· They’ve gone home.
· The angels are rejoicing.
· Heaven got even better when they arrived.
· Heaven could never reject one who has done so much for others.
· Heaven now has one of our best.
· They’re at rest.
· They’re at peace.
· They’re in a better place.
· They’re looking down on us.
Whether these comments (and many others) come from people I know or those in the public eye who I do not know, if the deceased did not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they are not “resting peacefully”. Jesus said that He is the only way to the Father,
“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)
No matter how much you may have liked or loved the deceased, if they did not know Jesus as Savior, they died lost. No matter how close they were to you in relationship, if they did not know Jesus as Savior, they died lost. This is why we need to witness to those we love while they are alive, but how can one witness about Jesus, if they too do not know Him?
Very often those who make no bones about not being a Christian are the first to assume that everything is okay with their loved one or friend. Why is this? It is due to a wishy-washy state of religion that has befallen the church today.
· Most Christians are basically ignorant of the Word, and do not witness.
· Most who claim to be Christians think they can “walk the aisle” and then “walk with the world” and everything will be okay.
· Most think that since God is love, He would never send anyone to hell, even when He has actually done all He can to provide the only escape, His Son Jesus.
· Most think, “I’m a good person, so everything will be okay.”
· Most have no understanding of the Biblical term “works.”
In the church (which is shameful) and in society (which is expected) there is a total lack of truth about salvation (being born again, becoming a Christian).
I have purposely not given any examples or provided any names of popular people who have passed away and would clearly fit the subject matter of this article. There is no need for that, but if you’re in tune with the true meaning and method of salvation, I’m sure you also can come up with plenty.
So what is the bottom line? If you are a Christian, and your loved one or friend claims to be a Christian, but shows no sign of Jesus living in their life, witness to them. They are either both lost and bound for hell when they die, or they are out of fellowship with God and need to get their act together with the Father. God knows. We often don’t. Either way, they need a mature Christian leading them to Jesus.
What about those popular people who are immediately known when the television is turned on? We can pray that someone in their circle of family and friends can reach them for Christ, giving them the truth. We can also pray for them ourselves.
Grant Phillips
My articles are posted at “Pre-Rapture Commentary” http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com/ and many are also posted at “Rapture Ready” http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html.
