Comfort for the Sorrowing

1 Thess. 4:13, 14

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The sorrow brought into our homes by death, will casts a shadows over our domestic circles so deep, that only Jesus the "light of the world" can remove it.

I. "We would not have you ignorant concerning" death.

1. It is, in part, the penalty of sin. "So death passed upon all men," (Rom. 5:12.)

2. Death is an event of uncertainty to all in regard to time. Hence "be ye also ready, for at a time that ye think not."

3. Death is not annihilation; is not soul-sleeping; but the separation of the soul from the body.

4. It is an event of deep solemnity. It ends probation; it separates friends and loved ones, and introduces the soul to other and nobler society. It is, to the Christian, the end of conflict and sorrow.

II. The soul's destiny after death.

1. It continues to live with all its powers, and essential identity.

2. It enters Heaven immediately after its severance from the body. It is prepared to enter. Christ has promised it. The death of Stephen, and the dying thief demonstrate it. Moses appeared with Christ on the mount 1483 years after his death on Mount Pisgah. Your loved one lives, reasons, and remembers, for all the powers remain and are glorified.

3. The perpetuation of being, and the certainty of well-being are secured by the life and perfections of God. The Christians is an "everlasting life."

III. There shall be a resurrection of the body.

1. Christ has promised this to every one who believeth in Him: "I will raise him up at the last day."

2. Christ's resurrection is the divine warrant of ours. Human nature lives in awful and eternal union with the Godhead.

3. His glorified body is the pattern as well as the pledge of our resurrection.

IV. The same body that died shall rise.

" This mortal," " this corruptible," not another.

It shall rise immortal, in power and in glory.

The whole nature of them who "sleep in Jesus" shall be glorified, and live forever with Christ in Heaven. This glorious hope we owe to Christ our Lord.

Beloved friends, you should be reconciled to the will and providence of God, for He is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind. Let this dispensation of Providence be, to all the relatives and friends, an admonition to be ready when the Master shall come. Trust in the merits and mediation of Christ your loving Lord. Keep continually in your hearts the Heavenly Comforter, and all will be well forever.