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