If A Man Dies, Shall He Live Again? (Funeral Sermon) Series

IF A MAN DIES, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN? (Funeral Sermon)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Job 14:14 (KJV)

If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

INTRODUCTION:

The question "If a man dies, shall he live again?" is one of the most profound and timeless inquiries in the Bible. It echoes the uncertainty and sorrow we face in the face of death. Job, in his suffering and grief, asked this question in a moment of despair, trying to comprehend the mystery of life and death. For those of us who mourn the loss of loved ones, this question can feel like an overwhelming weight on our hearts. However, the Scriptures offer us a comforting and resounding answer: yes, there is life after death, and it is found in the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ.

This question speaks to the deep longing of humanity for hope beyond the grave. When a loved one passes away, we are left grappling with the idea of finality, but the Bible assures us that death is not the end. For those who trust in Christ, death is simply a transition from this life to eternal life. This sermon seeks to explore the hope of resurrection that answers Job's question and brings comfort to the grieving hearts.

As we gather today, let us be reminded that death is not the end of the story. For the believer, there is hope beyond the grave, a promise of eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us that those who have died in the Lord will indeed live again, and we will be reunited with them in the presence of God.

1. DEATH IS NOT THE END FOR THE BELIEVER

The death of a believer is not the end of their story, but rather the beginning of eternal life.

a) Jesus promises eternal life. Jesus assured us that those who believe in Him will never die, but have eternal life (John 11:25-26).

b) Death for the believer is a transition. When a believer dies, they are simply transitioning from the physical realm into the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:8).

c) We are absent from the body but present with the Lord. Though the body may perish, the soul lives on with God (2 Corinthians 5:1-8).

d) The resurrection is the believer's hope. Through Christ's resurrection, we have the promise of our own resurrection and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Biblical Example: Jesus, after His resurrection, assured the disciples that He was the way to eternal life, and through Him, we would live again (John 14:19).

The death of a believer is precious, for it signifies a transition into eternal life, not the end of existence.

2. THE HOPE OF RESURRECTION GIVES COMFORT IN TIMES OF LOSS

When we experience loss, the hope of resurrection provides comfort and assurance that we will be reunited with our loved ones.

a) Resurrection brings victory over death. Through Christ, death has been defeated, and we no longer need to fear it (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

b) The resurrection guarantees reunion. The hope of resurrection means that we will one day be reunited with those we have lost (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

c) Our tears will be wiped away. God promises that in the resurrection, He will comfort His people and wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

d) The resurrection assures us of a future without sorrow. Death, pain, and mourning will be no more in the presence of God (Isaiah 25:8).

Biblical Example: When Lazarus died, Jesus wept but also assured Martha of the resurrection, stating that her brother would rise again (John 11:23-26).

The hope of resurrection is a source of comfort that assures us that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal joy and reunion.

3. JESUS CHRIST IS THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF LIFE AFTER DEATH

Jesus' death and resurrection provide the answer to the question Job posed: "If a man dies, shall he live again?"

a) Jesus conquered death. Jesus' resurrection demonstrates that death is not the end for those who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

b) Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Jesus declared that He is the resurrection, and anyone who believes in Him, even if they die, will live again (John 11:25-26).

c) Jesus offers eternal life to all who believe. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are offered the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).

d) Jesus’ victory over death gives us hope. His resurrection assures us that, as He lives, so shall we live (Romans 6:4-5).

Biblical Example: The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of life after death. His victory over death assures us that we too will rise again (Matthew 28:6).