People say those things hoping to comfort those left behind, and people listen because they want to be comforted.
But the truth is…It is not the Truth.
In John 3:13 Jesus says, "No one has ascended into heaven, but HE who descended from heaven: the Son of Man."
All those who have died since the beginning of time lay waiting for Jesus’ return. So, there is no loved one in heaven looking down on you or in hell looking up at you.
When we die, we are in a state of sleep and there we shall remain until Jesus comes to raise us up from our physical death. From our last breath - until the moment we see the Lord coming to get us, will seem like the blink of an eye.
And in that time of sleep, we have no thoughts, no memories of our life, no fears, no hopes, nor dreams - nor will we be signing praises to God.
If you look at Ecclesiastes 9:5 - you can see that the dead know nothing.
“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten" (Eccl. 9:5).
The following verse tells you that Christ will come back for all those who are worthy.
"There are many rooms in my Father's home and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am." (John 14:2-3)
Following are a few of some of the many verses in the Bible which speak of the Second Coming…
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
In John 5:28-29 Jesus says, "…an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment."
When that day comes, there will be those who need not hear comforting words from loved ones and friends, for they shall find comfort in the arms of Jesus. For the rest, there will be no comfort.
Think on this as you carry on in your life today...
On the day of judgment and reckoning, God will not ask you how many times you helped your brother - He will ask you how many times you turned your back on a brother in need.
Out of Breck Waters World
