Eternal life assured for believers
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Editor,
How quickly my generation is departing this life.
This past week I participated in a remarkable memorial service at the Museum of America. The service was led by the deceased’s oldest brother. At the close, I overheard one attendee say, “This is the most unique funeral I’ve ever attended.” I wondered, was it the atmosphere created by so many people crowded into a room surrounded by mounted trophies and historical memorabilia? Or was it our enthusiastic singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic or How Great Thou Art? It might have been the hilarious stories people told of their departed friend. Perhaps it was the older brother’s concluding statement that his brother “is now in paradise” (Luke 16:22-26; 23:43).
I have often pondered Jesus’ statement to the dying thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43); what an exhilarating, wonderful, comforting assurance that was to that man at the moment of physical death. The Apostle Paul boldly states in 2nd Corinthians 5:8, that when a Christian dies, their spirit leaves their body and goes to be “present with the Lord.” But can we really be sure that’s what happens? Well, Jesus declared it (Luke 23:43); Paul affirmed it (2nd Corinthians 5:8); Moses and Elijah revealed it (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36); and those who have committed their life to Jesus will receive it.
I’m sure that there were folks attending the memorial who are very confident about the older brother’s statement regarding life after death. After all, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26 NLT). Eternal life is in Jesus. We can’t earn it or buy it. It is his gift to those who believe and receive him.
We miss our friend, but we’ll catch up with him soon.
Harvey A. Town
Polson
