Intro.

1. How we face death makes a statement about how we live, Heb. 11:35.

a. Aristides (125 AD) wrote a friend about a new religion: "If any righteous [one] among the Christians passes from this world, they rejoice and offer thanks to God. They escort his [the] body with songs and thanksgiving as if he [she] were setting out from one place to another NEAR BY." (cf. 1 Ths. 4:13)

b. Live as saint - Die with thanks.

c. Live in sin - Die in darkness and despair.

2. Psa.116:15 - Death of saints precious (valued, prized).

3. How do you view your death? How does the Christian die?

I. THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN HOPE, Phil. 1:21-23; Col. 1:3-5; 1 Ths. 4:13-16.

A. With the Joy of Eternal Salvation.

1. 1 Ths. 1:10 - Delivered from wrath by Jesus.

2. 1 Ths. 5:9-11 - We live with Christ now - death won’t destroy that - Enhance it!

B. With an Expectation of the Resurrection of Life, Jno. 5:28-29.

1. 1 Cor. 15:20-22 - Because of Jesus' resurrection.

2. 1 Cor. 15:51-53 - At last trump - Incorruptible / Immortality.

3. 1 Cor. 6:14 - Power of God at work.

C. With a Desire for Heaven.

1. 2 Cor. 5:1 - Heavenly house.

2. Jno. 14:2-3 - Mansions prepared.

3. Heb. 11:13-16 - Pilgrims / strangers seeking their own country - Heavenly city.

II. THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN COMFORT, 1 Ths. 4:16-18.

-(This does not mean pain cannot attend the Christian's death, but that a knowledge of what awaits him gives assurance, not fear.)

A. With the Assurance that God is in Control.

1. 1 Cor. 15:24-26 - Power over death in resurrection.

a. Heb. 2:14-15 - Removes fear of death.

b. 2 Tim. 1:10 - Gospel reveals His power.

2. Christian lives by faith in His power (Rev. 1:17-18) -- Death is not the end.

3. Fear of death need not overtake us.

B. There is Victory Over Death in Jesus.

1. Freedom from trials, temptations, burdens and despair - REST (Rev. 14:13).

2. Rom. 8:38-39 - Death does not defeat the Christian.

III. THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN FAITH, Heb. 11:13.

A. Confidently Believing in a Future Judgment.

1. Heb. 9:27 - He is ready for his appointment.

2. Heb. 10:26-27 - Adversaries of Christ face a fearful judgment of fire!

3. 2 Ths. 1:3-9 - A time of righting wrongs - Of rest and vengeance.

B. Confidently Believing in a Future Reward, 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

1. 1 Pet. 1:4 - Reserved in heaven.

2. Col. 3:4 - Glory with Christ when He comes (cf. Matt. 25:31-34, 46).

Conclusion

1. We must live so as to prepare for death.

2. When you die and go to meet the Lord, will you be meeting a stranger or a friend? Heb. 10:30-31