HOW THE CHRISTIAN DIES

1.      How we face death says something about how we live –

 Heb. 11:35  Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.

 a.  Aristeides (125 AD) wrote a friend about new religion:  "If any righteous [one] among the Christians passes from this world, they rejoice & offer thanks to God. They escort his [the] body with songs & thanksgiving as if he [she] were setting out from one place to another NEAR BY."

 cf. 1 Ths. 4:13   But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

 b.  Live as saint - Die with thanks.

 c.  Live in sin - Die in darkness and despair!

2. Psa.116:15 - Precious in the sight of the LORD  Is the death of His saints.

a. Valued, Prized

3.  How do you view your death? How does the Christian die?

 I.                    THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN HOPE - Phil. 1:21-23;

 Phil 1:21-23    For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better

Col. 1:3-5;  We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven

1 Thess 4:13-14 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.  

   A.  With The Joy Of Eternal Salvation.

    1.  1 Ths. 1:10 - Delivered from wrath by Jesus.

    2.  1 Ths. 5:9-11 - We live with Christ now - death won’t destroy that - Enhance it!

  B.  With An Expectation Of The Resurrection Of Life - Jno. 5:28-29.

    1.  1 Cor. 15:20-22 - Because of Jesus' resurrection.

    2.  1 Cor. 15:51-53 - At last trump - Incorruptible / Immortality.

    3.  1 Cor. 6:14 - Power of God at work!

  C.  With A Desire For Heaven.

    1.  2 Cor. 5:1 - Heavenly house.

    2.  Jno. 14:2-3 - Mansions prepared.

    3.  Heb. 11:13-16 - Pilgrims / strangers seeking their own country - Heavenly city.

II.  THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN COMFORT - 1 Ths. 4:16-18.

  -(Not that pain will not attend the Christian's death. But that a knowledge of what awaits him gives assurance, not fear.)

  A.  With The Assurance That God & His Christ Are In Control.

    1.  1 Cor. 15:24-26 - Power over death in resurrection.

      a.  Heb. 2:14-15 - Removes fear of death.

      b.  2 Tim. 1:10 - Gospel reveals His power!

    2.  Christian lives by faith in His power (Rev. 1:17-18) -- Death is not the end!

    3.  Fear of death need not overtake us!

  B.  There Is Victory Over Death In Jesus.

    1.  Freedom from trials, temptations, burdens & despair - REST (Rev. 14:13).

    2.  Rom. 8:38-39 - Death does not defeat the Christian!

III.  THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN FAITH - Heb. 11:13.

  A.  Confidently Believing In A Future Judgment.

    1.  Heb. 9:27 - He is ready for his appointment.

    2.  Heb. 10:26-27 - Adversaries of Christ face a fearful judgment of fire!

    3.  2 Ths. 1:3-9 - A time of righting wrongs - Of rest and vengeance.

  B.  Confidently Believing In A Future Reward - 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

    1.  1 Pet. 1:4 - Reserved in heaven.

    2.  Col. 3:4 - Glory with Christ when He comes (cf. Matt. 25:31-34, 46).

Conclusion

1.  We must live so as to prepare for death!

2.  When you die & go to meet the Lord, will you be meeting a stranger or a friend?! - Heb. 10:30-31