In The Arms Of The Lord (Funeral Sermon) Series

IN THE ARMS OF THE LORD (Funeral sermon)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:. Luke 16:22 (KJV)

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried.

INTRODUCTION:

In moments of grief, we often find ourselves looking for comfort and hope. The question of where our loved ones go after death is one that brings solace to those who are left behind. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, as shared by Jesus in Luke 16:22, we see the powerful imagery of a soul being received into the arms of the Lord. While the rich man, despite his wealth, faced a grim eternity, the beggar Lazarus was carried by angels into the comfort of Abraham's bosom, a symbol of peace and rest in the presence of the Lord.

For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, death is not an end but a transition into the arms of a loving Savior. This truth is a comfort to us as we reflect on the life of our dear departed, knowing that they have now entered into a place of eternal rest and peace. As we mourn, we are reminded that there is hope beyond the grave, that in death, our loved ones are embraced by the Lord and carried into His presence.

Let this truth strengthen our hearts today, as we reflect on the reality that our loved one is no longer suffering but is safely held in the arms of the Lord, iswhere there is no pain, no sorrow, only eternal peace and joy.

1. THE COMFORT OF THE LORD'S ARMS

When we think of the arms of the Lord, we imagine a place of comfort, protection, and peace, far from the struggles and pain of this world.

a) The Lord is our refuge in times of trouble. In moments of grief, the Lord's arms offer us protection, keeping us safe under His wing (Psalm 91:1-2).

b) God’s arms hold us close to His heart. His arms are a place of intimate care, where we are never alone, even in the face of death (Isaiah 40:11).

c) Death is a transition to eternal comfort. Just as Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s bosom, so too will the righteous find rest in the arms of the Lord, where there is no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 14:13).

d) The Lord’s arms are arms of love. In life and in death, God’s love is unwavering, and He calls His children to rest in His everlasting love (Romans 8:38-39).

Biblical Example: In the Old Testament, when Jacob was comforted by God in his grief over Joseph’s supposed death, God’s arms were a source of reassurance and peace (Genesis 37:35).

The arms of the Lord offer ultimate comfort, where there is no fear, only peace.

2. THE LORD CARRIES HIS PEOPLE INTO HIS PRESENCE

In death, the believer is not left to face the unknown alone; they are carried by the Lord Himself into His eternal presence.

a) God sends His angels to carry us. Just as Lazarus was carried by angels, God provides His heavenly messengers to escort His children into His eternal rest (Luke 16:22).

b) Jesus promised to prepare a place for us. In John 14:2-3, Jesus assured us that He is preparing a place for us, where we will dwell with Him forever.

c) Our entrance into heaven is guaranteed. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are assured that when we die, we will be carried safely into the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:8).

d) The journey from life to death is in God’s hands. For the believer, there is no uncertainty or fear in death; the Lord Himself guides us safely to our eternal home (Psalm 23:4).

Biblical Example: When Stephen was stoned, he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing to receive him. This shows how the Lord Himself welcomes His faithful ones into His presence (Acts 7:55-59).

The Lord carries us from the pains of this world into the peace of His eternal presence, ensuring we are never alone.

3. DEATH IS NOT THE END, BUT A NEW BEGINNING

For the believer, death marks the beginning of an eternal life in the arms of the Lord, where we will experience peace and joy forevermore.

a) Death is a doorway to eternal life. For those who die in Christ, death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life with God (John 11:25-26).

b) We will be free from all suffering. In the presence of the Lord, there is no pain, no sorrow, only peace and joy for eternity (Revelation 21:4).

c) The believer’s soul enters into rest. When we pass from this life, we enter into rest with the Lord, where we experience the fullness of His peace (Hebrews 4:9-10).