Tag: Death

The BIBLE VIEW #1020 — Grief

In This Issue:
Tip-toeing Through the Tombstones
There Is Hope.  He Is Alive.

Volume: 1020   September 29, 2025
Theme:  Grief


Tip-toeing Through the Tombstones
Bill Brinkworth

After visiting cemeteries, I often wandered among tombstones that, for many, were the only remaining memories of people who once lived.  The visits were a solemn reminder that life will come to an end for all, and our mark on this world may soon vanish.

Only cold granite stones remains of lives that once laughed, traveled, did good or bad deeds, brought lives into this world, and so much more.  Invisible to us, however, their soul still lives on, but where?
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46

Towards the front of a cemetery were five large plain stones without an etched name or date.  The rocks were carefully manicured to remove overgrown grass, just like all the other monuments.  A sign near the markers stated that they were monuments to unknown people. 

Perhaps the markers were placed before a stone mason was available to chisel their personal information on the rocks.  Maybe they were very poor and could not afford a better monument.  Not even their names were remembered.  There was no memory of them at all.

They are forgotten to us, but not to God.  He knows who they are, what they did, and why and when they died.  I wonder where they are.  Are they in Heaven or Hell for all those centuries?

Further along in a graveyard, there were three crudely carved headstones.  All three had the same last names, different birth dates, but the same day of death.   From the dates on the stones, I could tell they were very young children. 

What happened that they all died on the same day?  Was it a raging epidemic?  Was it a catastrophic fire that they all perished in?  Lord knows, and their ages were very young, so they probably were not old enough to decide to trust and understand Christ as their Saviour.  But, if that is so, they are still in Heaven with their Heavenly Father.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14   Also: Matthew 18:10, 21:16.

Next to their markers were no headstones with the same last name.  Their parents were not buried next to them.  How did the adults handle the great loss of their children?  Did they get angry, shake their fist at God, and blame Him?  Did they ruin their lives because they did not overcome their grief?  Or did they turn their sadness over to the Lord and remain faithful to Him even through that great loss?  Wherever they are buried, what was chiseled on their headstone?
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”  Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

Four or five stones together were a reminder that there lie the remains of local soldiers who died in a World War II battlefield.  They gave their lives to secure their country, but where are their souls now?  Are they in Heaven or Hell?  Although great was their sacrifice, that great deed alone would not get them to Heaven. 

Did they get saved before the Service, or perhaps a rare conversion just before leaving this world?  Did they cling to the promises underlined in their small Blbles they were given when they first enlisted and always carried with them?
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

Side by side were two other stones, marking the resting places of a husband and wife.  Apparently, the husband died first.  Was he a born-again child of God?  Is he in Heaven? 
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Twenty years later, the wife apparently died, with the same last name as her husband.  As her last name was the same as her husband’s, I suppose she never remarried. 

She spent all those years most likely by herself.  Did her children visit her, or did they go about their lives ignoring their mother’s great grief? 

How did she handle the great sadness she must have carried?  Did she ever get saved?  Is she in Heaven with her husband, or is she in agony alone in Hell?  If she and her husband were both saved, I am sure it was a grand reunion when they remet in Glory.

Another stone clearly told whose remains were under the chiseled little lamb headstone.  Apparently, a young child died and was buried there.  Again, how did the parents handle the grief?

I imagine it was difficult for them.  But did they take the time of great sadness and realize that one day their time would come?  Did they get saved?  Their child was older according to the etched dates.  Was the child saved?  Was there a great reunion for that family in Eternity?

A whole row of memorials all had the same last name.  Most had some indication that the person was saved.  There were crosses and verses etched on many of the monuments.  It appeared to be a family including grandparents, parents, and some children.  It was apparently a Christian family. 

Were they all saved, or did some of the “residents” claim to be born-again but were not, and opened their eyes to a terrifying eternity?  Or were they all born-again and living for the Lord?  If so, I am sure there is still a great reunion in Heaven.

One stone had a last name that was not on any of the other nearby monuments.  The dates indicated that the person lived a long life.  Did he live it alone?  Was he ever married?  Did he die alone?  If alone, how did he manage?  Did that person ever get saved?  Where is he residing now?

Then I  came upon a newly laid stone.  The plastic flowers put down by the funeral parlor remained.  It was the burial place of my wife of 36 years. 

I did not have to wonder about that woman’s past or where she is living for eternity.  She was saved and served the Lord for over 40 years.  I know where she is now.  There is no guessing.  
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

I know in the future, we too will have a great reunion.  What a comfort it is to remember her great faithfulness, her toiling for the Lord, and her diligence in reaching others with the Gospel.

Every life has a story.  We can surmise how some lived and died by reading the etched brief information on their headstones.  But all that we can read is their past.  All souls live on, and we have little knowledge of their eternal “life” now and in the future.

When your body gives its last breath and your body lies in a cemetery, what will an onlooker remember, wonder, or read about your life?  Are you confident that your eternal soul will be in Heaven with the Lord, or will you finally recognize that you wasted an opportunity for Heaven?  Oh, what an agonizing eternal error that would be.

Trust Christ and live for Him today.  Life is shorter than you think.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14

“Grief drives men into habits of serious reflections, sharpens the understanding, and softens the heart.”  — John Adams

There Is Hope.  He Is Alive.
Gotthold

A wife observed her husband, who was dejected by some misfortune that had befallen him.  To such a degree was the grief that he could not sleep.  His sadness was quite apparent.

She pretended to be very upset in the morning and cried and moaned.  As she had spoken cheerfully to her husband the evening before, and exhorted him to dismiss his sorrow, he was concerned about his wife.

He asked her the cause of her sudden grief.

Hesitating a little, she replied that in a dream it seemed a messenger had come from Heaven and brought news that God was dead, and that all the angels and others were weeping.  Hope was gone.”

“Foolish woman,” said the husband, “you know quite well that God cannot die!”

“Indeed,” replied the wife, “and if that be certain, how come it is that you are now sorrowful over your problem as if He really did no longer exist, or, at least, as if He were unable to control what is happening in your life.  My dear husband, learn to trust Him.  He is in control.  He is not dead.”

“The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.”  — Sophocles

The BIBLE VIEW #949 — Death

In This Issue:
To Be with Christ is Far Better
Roll Call
Only the Shack Was Destroyed
Death   God Will Be with Us
The Word of God on Death
Nothing to Fear

Volume: 949     March 18, 2024
Theme: Death

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To Be with Christ Is Far Better
Bill Brinkworth

Most people, Christians included, have much fear and anxiety about their death.  Paul had a much different outlook on his.

His attitude was that his life here on Earth was more important to others than to him (Phil. 1:24).  He considered death a gain to him rather than a great loss.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

That is a much different view than those living for the party scene would have.  They look forward to constant excitement and festivity.  If they could not be partying, they would not be happy.  The thought of death and the next life would not be something they would look forward to, as it would be different from what they currently enjoy.

Self-centered people enjoy when they are the center of attention, and their needs are catered to.  They also would fear an eternal future where they were not in the position to get what they wanted and run the show.

One seeking political power and money is satisfied when he is running things, and his voice is the one changing the way people live.  He would also not be content in Heaven, where God is the only ruling power, and His will is the only one that matters.

A Christian, however, should have a completely different view of his eternal future, as did Paul.  This life is not our permanent home; we are just “pilgrims passing through”.  While here on Earth, we have a purpose to be a good testimony for the cause of Christ and to serve the Lord in any way we can.

If we have done what the Bible says one must do to have God’s promise of going to Heaven by being saved, we no longer have to fear eternity.  We can have great peace that the world does not have concerning this matter (Psalms 119:165).  We may even find ourselves like Paul, longing for Heaven but happy serving the Lord while we are here.
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” Philippians 1:23

“God will survive your rejection, but you won’t survive His!”


Roll Call
D. L. Moody

A soldier wounded lay dying in his cot.  Suddenly, the deathlike stillness of the room was broken by the cry, “Here!  Here,” which burst from the lips of the dying man.

Friends rushed to the spot and asked what he wanted.  “Hark,” he said, “they are calling the roll in Heaven, and I am answering to my name.” In a few moments, once more he whispered, “Here!” and passed into the presence of the King.

“Aspire to inspire before you expire!”

Only the Shack Was Destroyed
C. H. Spurgeon

Certain Swiss peasants were feeding their flocks on one of the lofty upland valleys.  On one side of the pasture stood several wooden huts where they lived during the summer.  They were poor shacks, which they left as soon as the winter set in.

One day, they heard a strange rumbling up in the lofty Alps, and they understood what it meant: a mass of rock, snow, or ice had fallen and would soon come crashing down in the form of an avalanche.  In a short time, their fears were realized when they saw the tremendous mass come rushing from above, bearing destruction in its course.  What did it destroy?  Only the old wooden shacks.  Every one of the shepherds and their family was safe.

Their case is a picture of ours.  The “avalanche” of death will come one day.  When it does, only the saint’s temporary earthen house will be destroyed.  The real “them” will be safe and live an everlasting life.  Will you fret over so small a loss?

“For the child of God, death is the entranceway to heaven.”

Death
Author Unknown

What is death?  Oh!  What is death?
‘Tis the snapping of the chain;
‘Tis the breaking of the bowl;
‘Tis relief from every pain;
‘Tis freedom to the soul.
‘Tis the setting of the sun
To rise again tomorrow,
A brighter course to run
Nor sink again in sorrow.
Such is death!  Yes, such is death!

What is death?  Oh, what is death?
‘Tis slumber to the weary;
‘Tis rest to the forlorn;
‘Tis shelter to the dreary;
‘Tis peace amid the storm;
‘Tis the entrance to our home;
‘Tis the passage to that God
Who bids His children come
When their weary course is trod.
Such is death!  Yes, such is death!

God Will Be With Us
Whitson

No earthly friend can indeed accompany one in death.  There is no human arm on which we can steady ourselves as we walk through its dark valley.  Although we may then be alone in one sense, we will not be alone in another, as the Saviour has promised to accompany us.  He said, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”  Isa 43:2

Surely then we can also sing as did David, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

When a child walks down a dark road at night, does he fear when he walks it with his father?  No, because his parent’s hand is locked in his.  The presence of his father dismisses all his fears. 

So, when we are in the hands of our heavenly Father, we need not fear.  He who holds up worlds can protect us; He has pledged Himself to do so, if we fully trust Him.

The Word of God on Death

  • “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
  • “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
  • “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” Eccl. 7:1
  • “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24 
  • “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
  • “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians1:21
  • “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Heb. 9:27
  • “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?”
                                                                                                                     I Cor. 15:54-55

“The wages of sin is death.  There is no minimum wage!” — Author Unknown

Nothing to Fear

For the believer, there is nothing to fear when one dies.  For the unsaved, there is much to be afraid of.  Are you sure you are saved and going to Heaven one day?

Here is what the Bible says one must do to have the assurance of Heaven:

  • Know that you are a sinner:
    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23   Also: Romans 5:12, I John 1:10.
  • Hell is the payment for all who have sinned.
    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
    “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
  • BUT, there is good news!  Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation!
    “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
    “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

That is what the Bible says one must do to be saved.  Now, it is up to you to ask Jesus to save you.  Please do it now!  If you want to discuss it with someone, please e-mail me at brinkworth@frontier.com.  I would be honored to talk to you about your salvation.

“Strive to live so that when you die, even the undertaker will be unhappy.”

The BIBLE VIEW #880 — Their Last Words

In This Issue:
The Last Words of Pastor James Gerven
The Death of Chloe
The Last Words of George Roberts
Thomas Paine’s Last Words
The Last Words of Richard Hooker
The Dying Words of Earl of Chesterfield
The Death of A Young Man

Volume: 880     October 17, 2022
Theme:  Last Words

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* The following accounts are edited from: Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings.  London, England,  Frederick Westley, 1828. *


The Last Words of Pastor James Gerven
Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings

James Gerven was a pious, ingenious minister, a popular writer, and was born in 1714… He died in 1758, being forty-four years old.

As death drew near, he said, “Here is the treasure of the Christian.  Death is reckoned in this inventory, and a noble treasure it is.  How thankful I am for death, as it is the passage through which I go to the Lord and Giver of eternal life!  These light afflictions are but for a moment, and then comes an eternal weight of glory.  Oh, I welcome death!  Thou mayest well be reckoned among the treasures of the Christian.  ‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’” (Philippians 1:21)”

“What will be your last words?  Will they be of excitement and expectation or fear and trembling?” — Bill Brinkworth


The Death of Chloe
Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings

… Before us was the struggling, agonizing, dying Chloe, inwardly burning to death with the raging fires of inflammation.  Her mind was most anxious about the terrors of her approaching end.  She felt the horrible consciousness of being unprepared for the solemn exchange of worlds.

A minister had prayed with her, but no relief was found.  The mother prayed, but overflowing tears from distress and terror were all the help she could give the child, who was sinking in despair.

Attendants were weeping, but none of them could help the dying girl.  She did not pray for herself, while her cries for prayer to save her from Hell were incessant.

She was asked, “Chloe, will you now accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Saviour from sin and Hell and submit your soul into his hands for salvation?”

With a faltering voice, she answered, “No, I cannot!”

Astonished at the answer, she was asked, “Why are you not willing, and why can you not now, with your dying breath, accept Christ for salvation?”

With the clear appearance of being in full possession of her rational thinking, but with a feeble and tremulous articulation, she continued, “It is too late….”

Will any who read this account neglect preparation for eternity?  Are you ready when it is your time to leave this world?



The Last Words of George Roberts
Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings

Pastor George Roberts experienced God’s converting grace in early life and devoted himself to Christian service.  He came to New England in 1790, where, through much opposition and suffering, he labored with outstanding success.  Through excessive labor and toils, his health failed, and being unable to perform ministerial duties, he moved to Baltimore….

He died in Baltimore in Christian triumph, being eminently sustained in his last conflict.  “His last hours,” said his son, “were triumphant, though eminently painful physically.  For twenty-four hours before his death, he had violent convulsions every ten minutes….”

… He was distinguished by the evenness and quiet of his temper and frame.  A night or two previous to his death, I urged him to quiet himself and offered, as a reason for it, the possibility of his disturbing the neighbors.

He immediately replied, “Be quiet, my son.  No, no!  If I had the voice of an angel, I would rouse the inhabitants of Baltimore to tell them the joys of redeeming love.  Victory, I have victory!  Victory, through the blood of the Lamb!  Victory through the blood of the Lamb,” were the last sentences trembled from his dying lips.

His death was a triumphant testimony!  Only the power of salvation can enable the soul to triumph when the body sinks into the tomb….

“This world is the land of the dying; the next, for the Christian, is the land of the living.”   — Author Unknown


Thomas Paine’s Last Words
Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings

Thomas Paine, a political writer and deist, was born in Norfolk, England, in 1737 and died in New York on June 8, 1809.  He was seventy-two years.  This unhappy unbeliever died in great misery from the consequence of his disgusting vices. 

He became an outcast from all respectable society.  He was said to have been irritable, vain, filthy, malignant, dishonest, and drunken.  Mr. Cunningham said, “Few men have been more bountifully favored with the gifts of nature and expansion of intellect than was Thomas Paine.  His essays on the political rights of man stand as a lasting monument of his genius and exhibit a mind girded with strength.  Yet even though he had outstanding success and acknowledged ability in effecting a political revolution, he revolted against God and common sense… He shut his eyes against rational evidence, denied the truth of Christianity, and became a skeptic.  This infatuated infidel was left to the fruits of his doings.  He degraded himself and died a fool….

Frequently, in his last distress, Mr. Paine called out, “Lord Jesus!  Help me.”

His doctor, Dr. Maiiley, asked him whether, from his calling so often upon the Saviour, if it was to be inferred that Thomas believed the Gospel.

He replied, “I have no wish to believe on that subject.” He expired in great agony.  Such are the fruits of infidelity.  How many, like Paine, were disloyal to God and were ruined?

“Some die without having really lived, while others continue to live, in spite of the fact that they have died.”  — Author Unknown 


The Last Words of Richard Hooker
Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings

Richard Hooker was born near Exeter, England, in 1553.  He possessed great learning, sound judgment, and distinguished himself by the book The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity. 

He was a meek, pious man and spent his days laboring to promote the glory of his Creator and the happiness of men.”

He died in the forty-seventh year of his age.  Before his departure, he said, “I have lived to see that this world is full of confusion and disorder.   I have been long preparing to leave it and gathering comfort for the awful hour of making up my account with God, which I now apprehend as nearby.  By his grace, I have loved Him from my youth, feared Him, and labored to have a conscience void of offense toward my God and all men.”

At another time, he said, “God hath heard my daily petition…  From this blessed assurance, I feel the inward joy the world can neither give nor take from me.  My conscience beareth me this witness, and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful.  I could wish to live to do the church more service, but I cannot hope for it, for my days are past as a shadow and will not return.”  Shortly after uttering those words, he went home to be with God.”
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord….” (Rev.  14:13)  It shall be well with the righteous.


The Dying Words of Earl of Chesterfield
Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings

The Earl of Chesterfield was one of the most accomplished scholars of his time.  He sought all the world’s pleasures and informed us he enjoyed them.  However, he lived and died like a fool.

Though learned, polite, and witty, he was full of deceit and opposition to God.  He said, “My reason tells me I should wish for the end of life, but instinct makes me take all the proper methods to put it off.  This innate sentiment alone makes me bear life with patience!  I assure you, I have no hope, but, on the contrary, many fears from it.”

Poor man!  Is this all the comfort thou hast derived from all his accomplishments?  What a confession from a deathbed!  He added, “I can hardly persuade myself that all that frivolous hurry and bustle and all the pleasures of the world had any reality, but they seem to have been the dreams of restless nights.  Ah!  They can render no support to the dying soul.  They truly now appear like ‘dreams’ and were not important.”

The Death of A Young Man
Ingram Cobbin, Dying Sayings

In the summer of 1817, a camp meeting was held in East Hartford, Connecticut.  About eight thousand people were present, and about one hundred were saved.

The Rev. D. Dorchester, when recounting the meeting, said, “… A young man, about eighteen years of age, attended the meetings.  On Sunday evening, the Lord wrought powerfully among the people.

“Some of the young man’s associates sought and found the Saviour… Entreaties, expostulations, and tears urged the boy, but all in vain!  His reply to them was, ‘I will wait till I get home.’”

“He started for home with his mother.  At about five o’clock, he arrived within a few yards of his father’s house when suddenly he sprang from the wagon.  He exclaimed, “Mother, I am dying; I am dying.  I shall not live for one hour!  O, that I had sought salvation at the camp meeting!”

“A physician was called immediately, but his efforts were in vain.  Death had planted the arrow that no human hand could extract.  The boy’s skin soon assumed a purple hue.  His friends could only wait with anxiety and hear, with the most painful sensations, the regrets the boy uttered.  The next day, he breathed his last.”

Procrastination was the thief that stole the young man’s opportunity to be saved…. 
“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” II Cor. 6:2

The BIBLE VIEW #869 — Don’t Make Them Guess


In This Issue:
I Hope So
Current Whereabouts Unknown

Volume: 869     August 1, 2022
Theme:  Don’t Make Then Guess

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I Hope So
Bill Brinkworth

Although it was a solemn event, there were whispering conversations throughout the chapel.  One exchange in the far back was very concerned about the reason for the gathering.  Worrying and weeping soon whipped the group into an uncontrollable frenzy.

Aunt Jane tried to soothe those distraught by simply stating, “Well, my brother was a very good person.  I believe he is looking down on us right now.  He is in a better place and certainly deserves it with all he has put up with in this life.”

Several in the group remained silent but showed they agreed or hoped their aunt was right.  A few just quietly sobbed at the loss of their friend and brother.

Closer to the front, another party shared their opinions about the deceased friend.  One in the group tried to assure other mourners that there was no reason to be sad, as they were sure the dead friend was in Heaven.

Although a listener to the conversation knew it was inappropriate to voice a question, he wondered.  He doubted if the man was really in Heaven.  He reasoned, “He never went to church and showed no signs of being a Christian.   How are these people so sure he is in a ‘better place’?”

While waiting for the funeral service to begin, another concerned relative sat next to the preacher, who would give the message.  He turned to the pastor and sought some assurance.  “Preacher, my uncle was a nice man.  He always got me to laugh and was just good to me.  All these other folks are convinced he’s in Heaven, but I wonder.  He never went to church that I know of.  I can’t recall anything he ever did that would indicate he was a Christian.  On Sundays, he usually went fishing, and I don’t think he has ever even gone to church since I have known him.  Is he really in Heaven?  Can anyone really know that another has gone there?”

The preacher knew he would have to start the service soon, so he carefully weighed what he was going to say.  “Son, our opinions and beliefs, if they are not in concordance with what God’s Word says don’t really matter.  Only what God says matters.  And He says the only way to have assurance of going to Heaven is His way. 

“According to the Bible, one has to be born-again to go there.  One must be saved from Hell by trusting that there is nothing anyone can do to earn Heaven.  The only way is to believe that God’s only son, Jesus, who never sinned, paid the price for our salvation with His blood.  Good works won’t get anyone higher than the coffin lid.”

Then the preacher stopped the conversation as it was time for the service.   As he approached the pulpit, he remembered that this might be the last time those gathering may realize that they will one day be in the same position as the deceased. 

The pastor knew it would not be what all the mourners would want to hear, but it was his responsibility to tell the biblical truth about what the Bible says about our eternity.  He planned to make sure all that gathered would hear God’s way to spend eternity with Him. Just like the inquiring young man wanted to know, he was sure others did as well.  If he did not tell them God’s way of getting to Heaven, there might never be another opportunity for them to hear the truth.

Perhaps to comfort relatives at funerals or even themselves, most want to believe the deceased is in a “better place.”  Imagining a departed friend or relative is agonizing in the tormenting Hell is not a thought any would want to consider, even if it is true.  So, to keep from “ruining” the funeral and examining their own eternal, future destination, most services dwell more on the good thoughts rather than taking the time to make sure all listeners know of the only way to Heaven.  However,  eternal futures may be at stake.

Many preachers at funerals will not take the opportunity, while hearts are sensitive to their own eternity, to tell listeners about God’s way to Heaven.  It is not biblical to suppose that all are in Heaven.  The Bible even says that not all that die go there.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Good deeds, marvelous works, and religious routines and rituals are not the way to Heaven.  Too many believe they are and will one day sadly learn the truth when they do not open their eyes in Heaven.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

When one is genuinely saved and trusts Christ’s payment for their sins as the only way for an eternity with our Lord, His life will change.   The changes will be from the inside out, and most may see that a Christian’s life is different.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

So, when it is your time to be remembered in the funeral home, leave a memory that all will know where you are spending eternity.  Hopefully, those honoring your death will not suppose you are with Jesus.  They will know!  

People should not have to search desperately for some clues that you may be in Heaven.  It should be clear where you have gone because you lived a Christian life and had a godly testimony.

Current Whereabouts Unknown
Bill Brinkworth

I remember how we would laugh about going to Hell.  “Yeah, we’ll be together in Hell.  We’ll have a good time partying,” I laughed.

“Sure,” my friend scoffed as he guzzled down another beer.  “Yea, just one big party — forever and forever!”

Years went by.  After heartaches, learning the hard way, and much of God’s grace and mercy, I got saved.  Christ became my Saviour, and I tried to live for Him. 

My friends could tell something was different about me.  I no longer wanted to party with them.  They were uncomfortable around me as I shared with them what I had learned from the Bible.   Soon we grew completely apart and seldom spent time together.

As I grew in the Lord and studied the Bible, I learned more about the reality of Hell.  All the things I had heard about the place of torment were true.  What a horrible place it is!  It should not be taken lightly!  Then, I remembered the friend with whom I had scoffed at Hell.  I was burdened to see and warn him of the place, so he would not have to go there.

I visited his home.  He was still living with his parents, even though he was 35 years old.  We went up to his bedroom to talk.  Sin had taken a toll on his life.  The drugs and booze were a constant companion in his life — over 15 years of non-stop abuse.  He was not the same friend with whom I had grown up.

He was searching.  I could tell.  He had tried Buddhism for a while and even memorized a long chant from one of their books.  Still, that religion did not fill the empty spot he had in his life.

Later, he was involved with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, hoping they had the answers he sought.  I remember him telling me they were nice to him.  He was impressed that they had spent time with him, and he started attending their meetings.

I told him what the Bible says one must do and believe to have God’s promise of eternity in Heaven.  He admitted to me, “I thought the Witnesses had something, but as I got closer, I found that nobody had any real peace.  Bill, I still haven’t found any yet, and I don’t have the promise of eternity you have.”  His voice was sorrowful.  He had searched but found nothing to fill the emptiness his soul had.

“You know how I was and how the Lord has changed me.  He’s given me peace, help, and a lot of promises.  He’ll give them to you too, if you’ll accept Him as Saviour,”  I pleaded.  However, the other cult’s teachings he had been involved with brought doubt and confusion to his thoughts.

I explained and explained.  I did everything but beg, but my friend was even more confused.  Man-made religion had done much damage to his thinking.  When I left, he was still unsaved.  I urged him to at least visit the church where I had attended.  I’m not sure he ever did.

From time to time, I heard tidbits about my friend.  He had gotten involved in some indecent sin, probably the fruit of all the pornography that polluted his mind.  Once, the law required him to go to a psychiatrist, and my friend was put on drugs to keep him from feeling miserable.  His mental problems were probably from years of taking drugs.  (I remember his bragging about how “pot will never hurt me.”)  It certainly sounded like he was getting lonelier.  His behavior became more bizarre.  He hardly had any friends and never married.  What a lonely, empty life he lived.

I thought about him a lot.  Sometimes I prayed for him to get saved.

It had been years since we had seen each other when I got a telephone call from my mother.  Her voice was sad as she read me a story from her newspaper: “Last Wednesday, the body of a 40-year-old man was found at the foot of a 100-foot cliff at… Park.  He was rushed to the… Hospital.  The man’s name….”

I interrupted my mother’s voice, “It’s G., isn’t it?”  I knew it was him before she had even finished.  His sad, hard life had come to an end after an accident.

The hardest thing to grasp was where my friend went: Heaven or Hell?  Unless he had gotten saved, and I hope he did, he is in Hell.

Hell is a real place.  There is no party there!  There’s no way out.  

Are you sure that you would go to Heaven if you were to die right now?  You can know for sure!  It may be too late for my friend, but perhaps you can learn from his mistake.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that  God  hath  raised him  from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

If you do not know for sure that you would spend eternity in Heaven, ask a preacher, or a saved friend.  If you do not know of one that can tell you what the Bible says, please e-mail me at
brinkworth@frontier.com.  I would be honored to share the biblical way to Heaven with you.  You need to know where your future whereabouts will be!

“Don’t let scoffers laugh you into Hell.  They cannot laugh you out of it.” — D. L. Moody

The BIBLE VIEW #868 — Death for A Christian

In This Issue:
Looking Forward to Heaven
A Christian’s Philosophy of Heaven
Thoughts of Death
Heaven’s Roll Call
Going to “Bed”
How Does the Bible Tell One to be Saved from Hell?

Volume: 868     July 25, 2022
Theme:  Death for a Christian

Sign-up to receive the free DAILY VIEW e-mailed devotion at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M.  It includes a KJV chapter, a short explanation of something in the day’s reading, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul!


Looking Forward to Heaven
Bill Brinkworth

No one will escape the one part of life that is scary to many: death (unless the rapture occurs first, and the person is saved!).  Because of the uncertainty, everyone wonders what happens when their body dies?

For the born-again child of God, there is hope and a promise for life after death (II Corinthians 5:2).  The Bible does not mention, as some cults teach, that when one dies, they breathe their last breath and their “life” is over.  Death will not be the end, however, because everyone has a soul that will live forever.  It will live forever in either Heaven or Hell.

Because of God’s promise about Heaven, many “groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:” (II Cor. 5:2).   The writer of that verse, Paul, was busy for the Lord while he was here on this Earth, and was expectantly awaiting his eternity in Glory.  So many Christians, while battling infirmities, hardships, and heartaches here, look forward to Heaven — a place of eternal joy.

One reason Paul looked forward to Heaven was one that today’s believers should also long for.  That reason is now we live by faith (II Cor. 5:7), but in Glory, the believer will live by sight.  We must trust God’s Word and not always physically see its promises are true.  One day, however, we will see all the glorious things God has promised come to pass.

With all the positive things to look forward to, Paul, and all Christians, should not be afraid of their eternal future.  When our body gives its last breath in this world, we may be “absent from the body,” but we will be instantly “present with the Lord” (II Cor. 5:8).  We have God’s Word on that!

“For the child of God, death is the entranceway to Heaven.  For the one that has not trusted in Christ’s death as payment for their sins, it is the beginning of their real problems!”


A Christian’s Philosophy of Heaven
Bill Brinkworth

Most people, Christians included, have much fear and anxiety about their death.  Paul had a much different outlook on his.  His attitude was that his life here on Earth was more important to others than to him (Philippians 1:24).  He considered death a gain rather than a great loss.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

That is a different view than those living for the party scene.  They look forward to constant excitement and a busy life.  If they did not have ever-changing activities, they would not be happy.  The thought of death and the next life would not be something they would look forward to, as it would differ from what gratifies them.  They would fear an eternal future where they were not the center of attention.

One seeking political power and money is also satisfied when he is running things, and his voice is the one changing the way people live.  Those people would also not be content in Heaven, where God is the only ruling power, and His will is the only one that matters.

A Christian, however, should have a completely different view of his eternal future, as did Paul.  This life is not our permanent home; we’re just “pilgrims passing through.”  While we are alive, we have a purpose of being a good testimony for the cause of Christ and serving the Lord any way we can.

If we have done what the Bible says one must do to have God’s promise of Heaven by being saved, we no longer have to fear eternity.  We can have great peace that the world does not have concerning this matter (Psalm 119:165).  We may even find ourselves like Paul, longing to be with the Lord but content serving Him while we are here.
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” Philippians 1:23

“This world is the land of the dying; the next, for the believer, is the land of the living.” — Tryon


Thoughts of Death
C. H. Spurgeon

History tells us Peter Waldo of Lyons was sitting at a banquet as thoughtless and careless as any of the attendees when, suddenly, one at the table bowed his head and died.  Waldo was startled and went home to seek his God.  He searched the Scriptures and became a great helper of the Waldensian church, which in the Alpine valleys kept the lamp of the Gospel burning when all around was veiled in “night.” A whole church of God was thus strengthened and perpetuated by the influence of death upon a single mind.

Luther, in his younger days, while walking with his friend Alexis, saw him struck to the ground by a flash of lightning. His experience worked in his heart to urge him to study and examine the doctrine of justification by faith. This studying helped him to be the liberator of Europe from papal bondage.

How much we owe to this weighty subject! Among the earnest, prayerful, and holy, many admit that the thoughts of death have brought them spiritual health. Men have been helped to live by remembering that they must die: yea, some men knew nothing of the highest form of life till death aroused them from their deadly slumbers.


Heaven’s Roll Call
D. L. Moody

A wounded soldier lay dying on his cot. Suddenly, the death-like stillness of the room was broken by the cry, “Here! Here!” burst from the dying man’s lips.

Friends rushed to the spot and asked what he wanted. “Hark,” he said, “they are calling the roll in Heaven, and I am answering to my name.” In a few moments, he whispered, “Here!” and passed into the presence of the King.

“Death to the Christian is the funeral of all his sorrows and evils, and the resurrection of all his joys.”   — Aughey


Going to “Bed”
C. H. Spurgeon

The child has to go to bed but does not cry because its mother has gone upstairs with it. It is quite dark, but what of that? The mother’s eyes are lamps to the child. Is it very lonely and still? Not so; the mother’s arms are the child’s company, and her voice is its music.

Oh, Lord, when the hour comes for me to go to “bed,” I know thou wilt take me there and speak lovingly into my ear.  Therefore, I cannot fear but will, with faith and hope, even look forward to that hour of thy manifested love.

Each hour my pulses, like soft drums.
Beat my approach, dear Lord, to thee;
If quick or slow my marches be,
Ere long I shall sit down by Thee.  — Author Unknown


How Does the Bible Tell One to be Saved from Hell?

  1. Know that you are a sinner: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23  Also: Romans 5:12, I John 1:10.
  2. Hell is the payment for all that have sinned. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
    “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
  3. BUT, there is good news!  Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation! Just ask Him to save you!
    “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
    “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

“Our road has a hopeless end unless we follow an endless hope.”
— Author Unknown