The Death of A Saint

RON HAMILTON, CCCC CONFERENCE MINISTER

The CCCC Statement of Faith includes these important words,

“We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.”

There are many words that come to mind when we read this statement. Everyone! Eternity! Salvation! Accountability! Judgment! Hope!

I have attended hundreds of funerals in my life. I’ve officiated at the funeral services of church members and people from the community. I vividly recall the funeral services of loved ones. The Scripture is true when it says,

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” (Psalm 116:15)

There is a dramatic difference between the funeral of a believer and the funeral of a non-believer.

While there is always grief, people gathered to remember a believer speak openly and confidently about the fact that the person is “with the Lord.” These services include songs of praise and worship, reading of Scriptures about salvation and hope, and messages about the saving work of Jesus. There is often an invitation for people to receive the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

In contrast, the funeral services for non-believers are filled with sadness. The words of eulogy reflect on the life of the person who has passed away. You often hear something like, “There will never be another person like Joe!” I recall a funeral where a son wailed openly and no one could console him. The sense of loss was overwhelming.

The impact of our belief that everyone will be raised to eternal life is significant. It changes the focus of our daily lives from mundane activity to meaningful faith. It directs us to the promises of God and encourages us to receive the free gift of salvation. This belief compels us to share the good news of salvation and openly invite people into a personal relationship with Jesus. We walk by faith and live with hope.

As I write this article, I look up and see the last picture that was taken of me and Shirley with my Mom. Everyone has a big smile on their face. The picture was taken outside of a nursing home where she lived for the last six months of her life. We all knew that the end of her life was near, but we shared the wonderful hope of eternal life through faith in our Lord Jesus!

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:5)