Conquering DeathSýnishorn

After Death

How can I trust God’s infinite love for me?

Sometimes it is hard to believe that God forgives you, and that can bring fear of what happens to us after we die. The words of the apostle Paul assure us that because of Christ’s love for all and his sacrificial death, we are forgiven. Through Jesus, we are assured of eternal life and no matter what happens, you are safe in God’s forgiving love.

Medicine cannot perform blood tests to tell us where our death will lead us. There is no x-ray or CAT scan that will penetrate the unknown to reveal what our future holds. What comes after death is a mystery. Yet, people of faith have expressed a vision that provides comfort, hope, and security as we consider dying, death, and the unknown. That faith shines through the Scriptures that record our ancestors’ struggle with the fear of death. By faith, we can make their story our own.

Readings from the Old Testament

Many of the psalms offer words of comfort and the assurance that we are in God’s loving care.

Psalm 23

Psalm 16:7-11

Psalm 18:2, 30-35

Psalm 22:19-24

Psalm 116:1-11

Psalm 130

A heavenly banquet awaits those who trust in God’s everlasting care.

Isaiah 25:6-9

Readings from the New Testament

Jesus told three stories about how God cares for those who are lost and celebrates when they are found.

Luke 15:4-24

Like a loving shepherd, Jesus keeps us safe, and he assures us that we are always in God’s care.

John 10:27-30

Through Jesus we are assured of eternal life.

John 5:24

Jesus promises that we will be with Him always, in a place He has prepared for us.

John 14:1-3

Jesus’s resurrection assures us of life everlasting with Him. Women go to the tomb early in the morning; Jesus appears to the disciples later that day.

Luke 24:1-12, 36-49

The apostle Paul assures us that we will live with Christ Jesus forever.

Romans 6:3-11, 20-23

The apostle Paul assures us that our mortal bodies will be changed into bodies that are immortal.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 42, 53-57

The apostle Paul assures us that our eternal home is with God.

2 Corinthians 5:1-9

The apostle Paul assures us that, because of Christ’s love for all and His sacrificial death, we are now Christ’s friends and we have been reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

The apostle Paul assures us of the hope we have because of Jesus’s death and resurrection.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

We have God’s promise of forgiveness because the blood of Jesus purifies us from every sin.

1 John 1:1-9

Thoughts for Reflection

1. Name one thing you could think or do that would increase your sense of trust that no matter what happens you are safe in God’s forgiving love.
2. Meditate upon this for five minutes each day: “The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” (Psalm 23:1)
3. If you are troubled by thoughts of going to hell, consider this question: “Would you send someone you loved to hell because that person was not perfect?” If not, do you imagine God, in God’s infinite love, will be equally as forgiving of you?
4. If you find it is hard to believe that God forgives you, might it be that you are having a hard time accepting God’s forgiveness because you have not forgiven yourself? If this is true, what do you gain and what do others gain by your not forgiving yourself? What is it costing you and others to not forgive yourself? What right do you have not to forgive yourself if God has forgiven you?
5. Talk to a chaplain or close, trusted friend about your concerns.

Prayer

God, I have often struggled to give you my full self. In your love, forgive me for the times I have failed you and harmed others. There are things that I am not proud of. Help me forgive myself because I don’t seem to be able to do it by myself.

When death comes, help me give myself—body, mind and soul—to you, my full self to your full love. Bless me now that I may begin a new life, living in the joy of your unconditional love and forgiveness. Amen.