Funeral Sermon: The Hope Of Eternal Life Series

FUNERAL SERMON: THE HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

John 14:1-3 (KJV)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

INTRODUCTION:

In moments like these, when the sting of death seems unbearable, we are reminded that death is not the end for the believer. Jesus gives us a beautiful promise: He is preparing a place for us in heaven, and one day, He will return to bring us to that place of eternal peace. Death may separate us from our loved ones temporarily, but it cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. In this life, we face sorrow and loss, but through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are given the hope of eternal life.

Today, as we mourn the passing of our dear loved one, we are comforted by the truth of God's Word that promises us that our separation is only temporary. The grief we feel now is real, but it does not compare to the glory that will be revealed to us in the life to come. We do not mourn as those without hope, for the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus is our anchor and our strength.

Let us cling to this hope: that just as Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for us, we will one day be united with Him in glory. In the midst of our pain, we can find peace knowing that this is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in the life of our loved one, and in our own journey as well.

1. JESUS CHRIST IS THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE

The promise of eternal life is not based on our works or merit but on the finished work of Jesus Christ.

a) Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

b) Eternal life is a gift from God. It is freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

c) Jesus has conquered death. Through His resurrection, He has defeated the power of death and offers eternal life to all who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

d) Belief in Jesus brings assurance of eternal life. Those who believe in Him will never perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Biblical Example: Jesus' words to the thief on the cross, "Today, you will be with Me in paradise," assure us of the promise of eternal life (Luke 23:43).

In Jesus Christ, we have the guarantee of eternal life, and He is the anchor of our hope.

2. DEATH IS NOT THE END FOR THE BELIEVER

For the believer, death is not a defeat but a transition to a better place with God.

a) Jesus promises to prepare a place for us. This assures us that our loved ones who have passed are in a place prepared by Christ Himself (John 14:2).

b) Death brings us into the presence of the Lord. For believers, death is a doorway into the eternal joy of being with God (2 Corinthians 5:8).

c) Our loved ones who have gone before us are at rest with God. They are free from pain, sorrow, and the struggles of this life (Revelation 14:13).

d) We will be reunited with them one day. The Bible assures us that we will meet again in the presence of God, where there is no more death (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Biblical Example: The death of Lazarus led to his resurrection, and Jesus assured the grieving family that He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26).

Death does not separate us from the love of God, but instead, it ushers us into His presence for all eternity.

3. OUR SORROW WILL TURN TO JOY

The Bible assures us that while we may weep for a time, God will turn our mourning into joy.

a) God promises to comfort those who mourn. His presence is near to the brokenhearted, and He will wipe away our tears (Psalm 34:18).

b) Our grief is temporary. In heaven, there will be no more tears or pain (Revelation 21:4).

c) We have the joy of the Lord as our strength. In the midst of sorrow, God fills us with His peace and joy that surpasses understanding (Nehemiah 8:10).

d) We are to rejoice in the hope of the resurrection. Though we mourn now, we look forward to the day when we will experience the fullness of joy in God’s presence (1 Peter 1:6-9).