Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

To me, the most applicable Biblical guidance concerning Christian funeral services is found in Paul's words to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Although it is natural to feel sorrow or to mourn at the death of a friend or loved one (especially since death was not a part of God's original plan or desire for humanity), the emphasis in funeral services for Christian believers should not be on feelings of grief or loss, but on the deceased's eternal life in God's presence as a result of faith in Christ, which makes it possible for the bereaved to feel joy even in the midst of their sadness.

The occasion of observing the person's death should also be used as a reminder to those who mourn it of the brevity of human life, especially in comparison to the unending nature of eternity, and as a call to all who mourn to appropriate for themselves the same eternal life that the deceased received through faith in Christ, which is the only way that it can be obtained.

June 19 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report