Death for the Believer in Christ

I feel that this post is very disjointed.  I have a lot of thoughts to get down and don't feel that I am connecting them in an understandable way.  Take from this post what you will, but know that it comes from the heart.

Death. It has a cold, solemn ring to it. The word brings to mind hopelessness, frailty, gut-wrenching sorrow, aloneness, and so much more.

Death is so final. So empty. So dead.

This week, on Tuesday, my kids will attend their first funeral. I hope that instead of the sadness, they will focus on the truth about death.  Death is only a portal through which the believer reaches heaven.

Some may ask "Why write about death?  Isn't death something that should not be talked about?"

To that I answer, Death for the Believer is not something to be feared.  Yes, mourn their passing because you miss their company and friendship. But as a believercling to the promise of heaven.  The hope of eternal life in Christ!

 A wonderful, godly man from our church died this past Friday from a massive heart attack. We’ve only known him for about 10 months and because of cancer we didn’t get to really know him well. We last saw him in December when he attended the Christmas program at church. He has 2 grandkids that are about the same age as D & S. He was more than a grandfather to T & B; he was a friend and a role model. They will be much affected by his death.

There is a song by Henri Malan (1787-1864) that speaks about death for the Believer. I learned of the song through Sovereign Grace Ministries. When I first saw this song, I thought of Gene right away. At that time we knew he had cancer and was given only a short while to live. My thoughts were not about the loss we feel when someone dies, but instead about the joy it is for a believer.

Original Words by Henri Malan (1787-1864).
Translated by George Bethune (1847).
Music, Chorus and Alternate Words by Bob Kauflin.

© 2008 Integrity’s Praise! Music/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Ministries.
From Come Weary Saints. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
Administration by Integrity Music.

IT IS NOT DEATH TO DIE

It is not death to die

To leave this weary road

And join the saints who dwell on high

Who’ve found their home with God

It is not death to close

The eyes long dimmed by tears

And wake in joy before Your throne

Delivered from our fears

CHORUS O Jesus, conquering the grave

Your precious blood has power to save

Those who trust in You

Will in Your mercy find

That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling

Aside this earthly dust

And rise with strong and noble wing

To live among the just

It is not death to hear

The key unlock the door

That sets us free from mortal years

To praise You evermore