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).
Through Jesus Christ, we have the assurance of life after death and the hope of eternal life in His presence.
4. DEATH IS A SLEEP FOR THE BELIEVER UNTIL THE RESURRECTION
For the believer, death is not a permanent separation, but a temporary sleep until the resurrection.
a) Jesus referred to death as sleep. In the case of Lazarus, Jesus called his death sleep, indicating that it was only temporary (John 11:11-14).
b) We will rise again at the appointed time. At the resurrection, all believers will be raised from the dead in glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:52).
c) Death is temporary for the believer. The believer’s soul is immediately with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection of the body (2 Corinthians 5:8).
d) Death holds no power over the believer. Death is no longer a fear for the believer, as Christ has overcome it on our behalf (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul refers to death as sleep, reassuring the believers that we will rise with Christ when He returns (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Death is merely a temporary separation for the believer, and the resurrection promises a reunion with our loved ones and with God.
5. THE RESURRECTION IS THE FINAL VICTORY OVER DEATH AND EVIL
The resurrection is the ultimate victory for the believer, where we triumph over death and evil forever.
a) Resurrection is the final defeat of death. Through resurrection, death is finally destroyed, and victory is given to those in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
b) The resurrection brings eternal life. Believers will receive new, incorruptible bodies, free from the effects of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
c) The resurrection is a new beginning. It marks the start of a new existence where we will dwell forever with God (Revelation 21:1-4).
d) The resurrection assures us of victory over evil. In the resurrection, all evil will be defeated, and God will reign in perfect justice and peace (Revelation 20:14-15).
Biblical Example: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate victory, as it ensures that believers will share in His victory over death (Romans 6:9-10).
The resurrection is the final triumph for the believer, bringing eternal victory over death, evil, and sin.
CONCLUSION:
In the face of loss and grief, we can take comfort in the hope that there is life after death. Job's question, "If a man dies, shall he live again?" is answered resoundingly in the Scriptures. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have the assurance that death is not the end for those who trust in Him. The death of a believer is simply a sleep until the resurrection, where they will be given new life in Christ. This is the ultimate victory over death, and it is the hope that sustains us in our times of sorrow.
As we mourn today, let us not grieve as those who have no hope, but let us look forward with joy to the day when we will be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of our Lord. Death has no victory over us, for Christ has overcome it, and we too shall live again.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, comfort those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, and remind them of the hope of resurrection.
2. Father, help us to live each day in the assurance that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life.
3. We thank You for the victory over death that we have in Jesus Christ.
4. Lord, strengthen our faith in the resurrection, and help us to live in the hope of eternal life.
5. Father, we pray for all who are grieving today, that they may be filled with Your peace and comfort.
