To Be Absent From The Body Is To Be Present With The Lord (Funeral Sermon) Series

TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

INTRODUCTION:

Death is often seen as an end, but for the Christian, it is merely a transition. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, expresses a confident hope that when we depart from this earthly existence, we are immediately ushered into the presence of the Lord. This assurance is not based on wishful thinking or a vague hope, but on the promises of God’s Word. As we gather today to mourn the loss of our beloved, we are reminded of this powerful truth: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Our grief is tempered by the confidence that our loved one is in a far better place, free from pain, and enjoying eternal rest in God’s presence.

While our hearts may ache with sorrow at the separation, we must remember that this separation is temporary. We are reminded in the Scriptures that death is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. For the Christian, the death of the body does not signify the end of life; it is merely the moment when the soul is finally reunited with its Creator. This understanding gives us peace, knowing that our loved one has entered into the joy and eternal peace of God's presence.

1. DEATH IS A TRANSITION, NOT AN END

Though death may appear as the end of life, for the believer, it is simply a transition from the temporary to the eternal.

a) Death is a passage from the earthly to the heavenly realm. The Christian does not fear death because it is a step closer to eternal life with Christ (John 14:2-3).

b) Death does not break our relationship with God. Rather, it enhances it by bringing us into His full presence (Philippians 1:23).

c) Death is a release from earthly struggles. It marks the end of suffering, pain, and limitations, ushering the believer into eternal peace (Revelation 21:4).

d) The believer’s soul is immediately in God’s presence. At the moment of death, the soul of the believer is taken to be with the Lord (Luke 23:43).

Biblical Example: When Stephen was stoned, he looked up and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, showing us that death for the believer leads to immediate communion with the Lord (Acts 7:55-56).

2. WE CAN BE CONFIDENT IN THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE

The confidence that Paul speaks of comes from knowing the promises of God regarding eternal life and the Christian’s hope beyond the grave.

a) Eternal life is the ultimate gift from God. It is not something we earn but a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

b) Our confidence is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Christ was raised from the dead, we too have the hope of resurrection and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

c) This confidence gives us peace in the face of death. Knowing that our loved ones are with the Lord should comfort us and ease our sorrow (John 11:25-26).

d) Our hope in eternal life enables us to live with purpose. The knowledge that we have an eternal home with Christ encourages us to live each day with faith and hope (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Biblical Example: Jesus assured Martha that her brother Lazarus would rise again, showing that for believers, death is not the end, but a temporary separation (John 11:23-25).

3. THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IS OUR ULTIMATE COMFORT

The true comfort in the face of death is found in knowing that our loved one is now in the presence of the Lord, experiencing eternal peace and joy.

a) In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. Death cannot steal the joy that comes from being in God’s presence forever (Psalm 16:11).

b) In God’s presence, there is no more pain or suffering. The believer is free from all the struggles of this life and now enjoys perfect peace (Revelation 21:4).

c) The presence of the Lord brings eternal rest. Death marks the end of life’s burdens and the beginning of eternal rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28).

d) The joy of being with the Lord is eternal. The Bible assures us that those who are in Christ will experience everlasting joy and peace (Isaiah 51:11).

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul longed to depart and be with Christ, for he knew that this would be far better than any earthly experience (Philippians 1:23).

4. DEATH IS A CELEBRATION OF A LIFE WELL LIVED IN CHRIST

For the Christian, death is not just a sorrowful event but a celebration of a life that was lived in faith and love for Christ.