Funeral Sermon: Eternity Beyond The Grave Series

Funeral Sermon: ETERNITY BEYOND THE GRAVE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 23:42-43 (KJV)

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

INTRODUCTION:

Death is an inevitable part of life, but it is not the end. The question that often lingers in the hearts of many is what happens after death? What awaits us beyond the grave? In this moment of profound sorrow, we are reminded that life does not end in the grave for the believer; it is but a transition to eternity. Jesus, in His mercy, assures us that those who call upon His name will not be abandoned to death but will enjoy eternal life with Him in paradise. This powerful conversation between Jesus and the repentant thief on the cross gives us a glimpse into the hope that awaits believers beyond the grave.

The thief, in his final moments, asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus’ response assures us of a glorious future beyond this earthly life. Eternity is real, and for those who trust in Christ, it is a place of unimaginable peace and joy. As we grieve the loss of our loved one, let us remember that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life with our Lord.

1. DEATH IS NOT THE END OF EXISTENCE

When we look at death, we often focus on the separation that it brings, but we must remember that death is not the end of existence; it is a passage into eternity.

a) Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Death means the end of our earthly life, but our soul continues to exist beyond the grave (James 2:26).

b) Our spirit lives on after death. Though our earthly bodies return to the dust, our spirit is eternal and will either be with God or separated from Him (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

c) Life continues in eternity. The Bible teaches that all people will live forever, either in heaven with God or in hell separated from Him (John 5:29).

d) Death is a transition to another life. For the believer, death is not an end but a transition to an everlasting life with God (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Biblical Example: The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) teach us that even after death, we remain conscious and aware of our eternal destiny.

Death, for the believer, is not the end, but a new beginning in the presence of God.

2. JESUS OFFERS ETERNAL LIFE

Just as He assured the thief on the cross, Jesus offers the same promise of eternal life to all who place their faith in Him.

a) Eternal life is a gift from God. It is not earned by our works but given freely by grace to those who believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

b) Jesus is the way to eternal life. He is the only path to the Father and to eternal life (John 14:6).

c) Jesus promises eternal joy. For those who trust in Him, eternal life means a place of joy, peace, and fellowship with God (Revelation 21:4).

d) The promise of eternal life is immediate. Jesus assured the repentant thief that he would be with Him in paradise that very day (Luke 23:43).

Biblical Example: The promise to the repentant thief on the cross exemplifies that salvation and eternal life are granted immediately upon faith (Luke 23:42-43).

Eternal life is not a distant hope but a present promise for all who trust in Jesus.

3. PARADISE IS A REALITY FOR BELIEVERS

When Jesus spoke of paradise to the thief, He was referring to the place where the righteous are comforted after death, and it is a reality for all believers.

a) Paradise is the presence of God. It is a place where believers enjoy intimate fellowship with God (Revelation 21:3).

b) Paradise is a place of rest. It is a place where there is no more sorrow, pain, or death (Revelation 14:13).

c) Paradise is a place of peace and joy. The Bible describes heaven as a place where believers experience unending joy and peace in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).

d) The righteous find rest in paradise. In paradise, the faithful find eternal rest from their labors and struggles on earth (Matthew 11:28).

Biblical Example: Jesus' words to the thief promise that paradise is a real and tangible place where believers will be welcomed into God’s eternal presence (Luke 23:43).

For the believer, paradise is the ultimate destination—God’s presence, where joy and peace never end.

4. DEATH IS A PROMISE FULFILLED FOR THE BELIEVER

The death of a believer is not something to fear but a promise being fulfilled. The believer enters into a glorious eternal life with Christ.