Tag Archives: eternity

October 13
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“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, NIV)

Dying is a part of living.

Any religion, philosophy, or belief system that does not address this inevitable fact of life is not worth following.

As disciples of Jesus, we have God’s instruction about how to face death and dying: Not as those who have no hope. Our hope for what occurs after we die is based on what Jesus has already done.  He has conquered death, hell, and the grave by His resurrection.

Therefore, believing that God is good to His word, we grieve only the temporary absence of those who have died, because the loss is not eternal. Take heart in this promise from our heavenly Father.  – Luther

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March 20
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“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. . . The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:6b, 8, NIV)

In the spring of each year, we are reminded of the splendor of nature as lawns and fields green-up; and flowers add bright colors to every scene. It is wonderful to behold, but we know it lasts only for a season — even if it is repeated next spring.

Isaiah reminds us that we, too, are like the grass and the flowers: Magnificent in many ways, but also fleeting. In the context of more than 6,000 years of recorded history, our singular 70 or 80 years of life is less than a dim spark.  

Isaiah also reminds us that though we are less than a vapor, God’s word endures for all of time and eternity. If we desire any permanence in what we do or say, it must be enveloped in — and consistent with — God’s word. Such consistency comes only through the reading and the heeding of scripture.  – Luther

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January 2
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Uncategorized Aside

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18, NIV)

I was reminded of the importance of keys when I had asked a neighbor to enter our house while we were away. He couldn’t get in, though, because I had neglected to give him the keys.  Because he didn’t have the house keys, he was unable to help.

The book of Revelation reminds us that because of the Living One, the grave has been robbed of its victory; the death has been deprived of its sting.

As disciples of the Living One, we need not fear death or punishment for our transgressions because He holds the keys.  Therefore, death cannot keep any of us down; nor can Hell keep any of us in.  – Luther  

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