Victory Over Death

By - Pastor Daniel C. Inghram, National Capital Bible Church

Recently, I officiated for a graveside memorial service for a family member of a friend. The deceased was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, he is now in heaven with his Savior. It is important for us to be prepared for the death of family members or friends. When I say, “be prepared,” I am not referring to wills and directives should someone depart. I am referring to the preparation of our souls. God desires for us to have a soul fortified with biblical truth and promises that instill comfort and tranquility when a death occurs.

Sometimes we know that death is approaching. More often we do not know when death will come to take us from our loved ones, friends, or associates. That is why we must understand what Scripture says so that our lives are not shaken by God’s plan for death. Yes, death follows God’s plan, not some random, accidental earthly incident. God knows the date and time of our death. Therefore, even if it comes as a surprise, we can be spiritually prepared, ready. Then our surprise is not a shock; our grief is not unbearable and incapacitating.

Today is an excellent time to review a few brief points regarding God’s plan that will strengthen us when a death unexpectedly occurs.

• God created us. We are His creation (Ps 139:13). Daily He provides for us (Lam 3:22-23).

• God ordained the days of our lives. God established the beginning and end of our days (Ps 139:16).

• God gives to all people life and breath (Acts 17:25). This means that God can end life as well.

• We are told that “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps 116:5). God cares for believers in life as well as death.

• Paul tells us that at death we, as believers, have victory over death (1 Cor 15:57). As we approach physical death, we have no reason to fear or be discouraged. In fact, knowing that we have victory should bring joy.

• Paul tells us that at death we are in the presence of our Savior (2 Cor 5:1-8). What could be more joyful than being face to face with our Savior?

• At the Rapture, as believers we shall see those saints who will have preceded us in death. They will rise to join the Lord in the air and those believers who are alive will rise with them (1 Thess 4:13).

• Paul says that we are to be comforted by knowing that we will see our dead loved ones in Christ at the Rapture (1 Thess 4:18).

• Since God controls our life and death, we should not be anxious about death’s inevitably, but rather embrace this part of God’s plan for each of us (Phil 4:4-7).

Conclusion: Our Lord’s statement to Martha should comfort us: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).

This post was written by Pastor Daniel Inghram of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!