“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14
Last night I turned my light off at 10:30 and apparently went right to sleep. When I woke up and looked at my clock it was 7:00 AM. I remember that I did have some dreams, but I had a perfect night of rest. It did not seem like eight and a half hours, because I was resting body, soul, and mind.
I wonder if that is what it is going to be like when we pass from this world. Could it be that our soul will be at rest with the Lord, and we will have no concept of time passing, as we wait for the Lord’s plan to be fulfilled? When the trumpet sounds and Jesus returns to take His people home, He will bring us with Him, the living saints will rise to meet Him, and we will all be together.
There are many different things we hear people say about what happens when we die, that I cannot find any Scripture to back up.
- “There’s a window in heaven through which God allows our departed loved ones to look down on us.” The Bible tells us there will be no tears in heaven, and if our loved ones saw us going through difficulties, they would feel sadness. Revelation 21:4
- “Peter will be standing at the gates, allowing us entry.” Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of God, and when he preached on the day of Pentecost, he revealed what each one must do to enter the kingdom. Acts 2:38. We must take advantage of these keys while we are living to be part of God’s kingdom.
- “We will become angels and can intercede for those still on earth.” Revelation 5:8, and 8:3-4, speak of the prayers of the saints having been stored up by the Lord. God can still answer the prayers that were prayed while a person was living.
Please remember as you are reading this, that these are my thoughts and ideas, and you are free to believe whatever you want about what awaits us after death. The important thing is that we seek Jesus here on earth and make sure we are ready.
Titus 2:11-13 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Jesus, search our hearts today, reveal your Word to us, and help us to make sure we are ready for your return.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
1 Comment
It is my understanding that there is a difference in the saints and others who have passed on.
Rest in peace is for the saints. They are asleep until Jesus wakes them with the trumpet sound.
The lost ones do not rest in peace but are tormented by watching us. Some looking for justice, some wishing things were different etc. Like the story of the man who wanted someone to go tell his brothers about the place whether was…wanting a drop of water on his tongue etc.
These are my thoughts and what I’ve seen and read and drawn conclusions.
My mother has passed and I have felt her near me, watching. It’s strange. I don’t try to communicate with her but I sense she’s trying. I have had a sister in the Lord pray for me (and chase her off not knowing who she was). Effectual fervant prayer if a righteous man (woman) availeth much.
Be blessed in Jesus name.