“...And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” -Daniel 12:2.
Diseases have symptoms, and one of the symptoms I've noticed as we approach the end is the rejection of HELL, and other Bible doctrines that may be unpleasant to consider. Nowhere is this more evident than in the passing away of a person we hold dear, for inevitably the person is nearly always said to be in Heaven, and at peace. Other possibilities are seldom mentioned, if ever.
The departure from “harsher” Christian doctrines is something I noted evidence of throughout the 19th century; seeds of corruption taking root, now branching out & flourishing in the 21st century. We saw the start of Mormonism, which changed Hell into 2 types; one temporary, and one eternal. Then there was the founding of the Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists, both of which rely on good works for salvation, and reject Hell altogether.
In more traditional Christian circles we witnessed the beginnings of Dispensational Christianity and it's pre-tribultation rapture view, both of which diminish or deny Biblical unpleasantries, although not directly denying HELL itself.
One doctrine of Dispensationalists is that once a person has been born again, they can never again fall away from that saving faith, though this denies many contrary scriptures. Please see my link to, The Saving Faith of a Christian for more on this.
“They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” -Luke 8:13.
“For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” -Romans 11:21,22.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” -I Timothy 4:1.
Another dangerous doctrine that's put many to sleep (spiritually) is the private interpretation of prophecy called, “The Pre-Trib Rapture” (see 2 Peter 1:20). This view proclaims that Christian believers will be “taken up” in rapture (a word not occuring in scripture) BEFORE a 7-year tribulation period in which the Antichrist will rule the world. Thus, many have adopted this as doctrine because it is a more pleasant alternative than that of remaining here. They cling to teachings which contradict what the Bible plainly says; 1) Christ will gather the remaining Christians AFTER the tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31); 2) Jesus' return for His people will happen on the same day as judgment (Luke 17:26-30); and 3) The reign of the Beast, a.k.a. the Antichrist, is 3.5 years, not 7 (Revelation 13:5).
This Pre-Trib view well fulfills the prophecy given for these Last Days in 2 Timothy 4:3,4;
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
And so we'll look at what happens when we have to face the death of a loved one, or an acquaintance of someone close to us; how do we address this-what do we say? It is our natural instinct to comfort those who are in this type of pain, but as followers of Christ we must take heed not to promote false views, giving false hope.
“For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” -Jeremiah 6:13,14.
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,” -Jeremiah 48:10A.
“Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” -2 Corinthians 13:7,8.
We need to recognize that Jesus told us few would be saved, and many would be lost (Matthew 7:13,14). The percentages regarding this are pretty extreme, but we won't look at this here. Suffice it to say that everyone is by nature a “child of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3), and salvation is a MIRACLE of God's grace, and mercy (Romans 9:15,16).
“And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” -Mark 10:26,27.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8,9.
Therefore when we approach any death, the odds are not favorable toward salvation. It's a sensitive situation, and we must seek the Lord for wisdom of words (James 1:5,19). I do not say that you should be openly proclaiming a negative judgment upon the deceased person. There are three possibilities regarding your relationship to the deceased; 1) Perhaps you're very sure of the person's salvation. 2) You might know little about the person, and can't tell one way or another. 3) It may be by the “fruit” of their life & testimony that you're very sure the person is eternally lost.
First of all, you must do as the Holy Spirit may direct you; what I give is only general advice, you must seek the Lord in prayer. If a person has died in a position of sure salvation, it is a comfortable thing to address. Yet if the eternal condition of the deceased is unkown or clearly unfavorable, discretion is called for, but we must not lie.
If you are in a position to speak at a funeral, my advice is to let your focus be upon the cross of Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:2), and all that He did for us guilty sinners so that we wouldn't be cast into Hell. God did not initially create Hell for mankind (Matthew 25:41), but it is a REAL place of torment for those who have rejected Jesus as their savior, the only possible savior for mankind.
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” -Matthew 10:28.
So the number 1 thing that you need to avoid is lying about a person's spiritual condition by affirming to their loved ones that the departed is in Heaven, if that is unclear. Lay out to those affected the real way of salvation; which is to repent of their sins, and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. Assure them also that if the departed has done this, all will be well with them eternally.
But the real challenge comes if you are asked directly about the eternal fate of the deceased, and you are certain they are lost. Be patient, and try to gently explain the reasons for your opinion, which ought to be based on the Bible! This would likely entail the spiritual fruit shown in the life of the deceased, as well as the testimony (or lack therof) from their lips. And remember that a person is never saved because they are well-liked, for Satan comes as an angel of light;
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” -2 Corinthians 11:13,14.
In everyday life, just the threat of punishment keeps many from behavior that is hurtful not only to themselves, but to others. Yes, police are one such authority that will enforce laws meant for our overall protection, but it could also come through parents, bosses, or teachers. People are not saved only by loving kindness, but by the chastening from those that truly love us (Hebrews 12:5-8).
“Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.” -Deuteronomy 8:5.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” -Jude 22,23.
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” -Revelation 3:19.
Brethren, if we won't speak the truth, how will it come forth, and change lives? Recall that our beloved Savior Jesus was the epitome of truth, and often hated for it (Luke 4:28,29, John 7:7). Let us preach the truth in emulating our Lord no matter the cost, for time is running out.
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? -Romans 10:14.
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