Funeral Sermon: Heaven Is The Final Home Of The Righteous Series

FUNERAL SERMON: HEAVEN IS THE FINAL HOME OF THE RIGHTEOUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

John 14:1-3 (KJV)

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 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.

3 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:

The reality of death confronts us with the fact that life on earth is temporary. Our bodies are fragile, our days are numbered, and our journey in this world is just a passage. However, for the righteous, death is not defeat—it is a homecoming.

Jesus, knowing the sorrow that would come with death and departure, comforted His disciples with a glorious promise: “I go to prepare a place for you.” That place is not a grave. It is not silence or oblivion. It is a prepared place in the Father’s house—heaven.

Today, as we lay our beloved to rest, we are reminded that they have not vanished—they have changed location. They have entered their final and eternal home, a place with no tears, no pain, and no sorrow. Heaven is real, and that is where the righteous belong.

1. HEAVEN IS A PLACE PREPARED FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

Jesus Himself made the promise, and He cannot lie.

a) Heaven is not imaginary—it is a real place of glory. It is the dwelling of God, the angels, and the redeemed saints who have gone before us (Revelation 21:2-4).

b) It is a place of beauty and eternal comfort. The streets are of gold, the gates of pearl, and the light of God fills every corner—there is no darkness or death (Revelation 21:18-23).

c) The righteous are expected guests in heaven. Their names are written in the Book of Life, and a crown of glory awaits them (Philippians 3:20).

d) It is the final destination, not just a temporary abode. There are no goodbyes, no farewells—just everlasting fellowship with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Biblical Example: Stephen, the first Christian martyr, saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God to welcome him home (Acts 7:55-60).

Heaven is not just a promise—it is the future home of every faithful believer.

2. DEATH IS THE DOORWAY INTO GLORY

To the believer, death is not a loss—it is a glorious gain.

a) Death brings an end to earthly labours and sorrows. It is a release from pain, struggle, and the burdens of the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:1-4).

b) The soul of the righteous is received into eternal joy. Angels carry them into God’s presence, where peace and rest await (Luke 16:22).

c) The believer sleeps, not perishes. For the righteous, death is likened to sleep because there is a glorious awakening (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

d) The righteous do not fear death—they anticipate glory. With assurance in Christ, death becomes a servant leading to a better country (Hebrews 11:16).

Biblical Example: Paul, nearing his end, declared with joy that a crown of righteousness was laid up for him, and for all who love Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

For the righteous, death is not a disaster—it is a divine upgrade.

3. THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE REUNITED WITH CHRIST

Heaven is not just a place—it is being with Jesus forever.

a) The deepest longing of the believer is to be with the Lord. Our hope is not just in a place, but in the Person of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:23).

b) Jesus will return to take His people home. The Second Coming is a promise of reunion for those who have died in Him (John 14:3).

c) Heaven is a place of uninterrupted fellowship. There will be no more separation—only eternal communion with the Lord (Psalm 16:11).

d) Being with Jesus is the ultimate reward. More than the mansions or crowns, His presence is the greatest treasure (John 17:24).

Biblical Example: The repentant thief on the cross was assured by Jesus, “Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

The righteous do not just go to a place—they go to a Person who loves them eternally.

4. HEAVEN MOTIVATES US TO LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY

The hope of heaven should shape how we live on earth.

a) Every believer must strive to live a holy life. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

b) Earth is a dressing room for eternity. Our daily choices echo into eternity—how we live matters (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

c) We must not grow weary in well doing. There is a reward for faithful service; heaven is not for the idle (Galatians 6:9).

d) Let us lay treasures in heaven, not just on earth. What we give, how we love, and who we serve are all eternal investments (Matthew 6:19-21).