Salvation Message
Preaching
Life Everlasting
The Essential Book of Funeral Resources
Object:
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
There is very nearly a universalist message in these words. I understand that the Bible very clearly teaches that there is a hell; a place, or a state, of eternal separation from God, but maybe passages such as this hint at a bigger kingdom of God than many of us think there might be. "As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." Here maybe is an opportunity to lay before people the truth that in Christ all are made alive. If you are preaching at the funeral of one whose faith was sure, celebrate that person's life by offering the gospel message that he or she knew to be true. In that way, maybe others will know this salvation as well.
Before I go any further, let me address the issue of calling people to Christ at a funeral service. Some think it is inappropriate. They liken it to asking for money at inappropriate times, but I don't think so. Certainly we need to be sensitive and thoughtful in doing it, but what better time to talk about salvation than at a service that celebrates resurrection and eternal life. I think it is a great time to tell of the load lifting love of God, and to encourage people to accept this love into their lives. We don't want to be offensive, and we don't want to make people feel guilty, but we can, and should, proclaim salvation and offer it to any who would take it. For some people, funeral services may be the only time they hear about God's freely offered gift of salvation. Let's not be shy about the gospel, we need not be ashamed of it, but let's be gentle in sharing it as well.
There is very nearly a universalist message in these words. I understand that the Bible very clearly teaches that there is a hell; a place, or a state, of eternal separation from God, but maybe passages such as this hint at a bigger kingdom of God than many of us think there might be. "As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." Here maybe is an opportunity to lay before people the truth that in Christ all are made alive. If you are preaching at the funeral of one whose faith was sure, celebrate that person's life by offering the gospel message that he or she knew to be true. In that way, maybe others will know this salvation as well.
Before I go any further, let me address the issue of calling people to Christ at a funeral service. Some think it is inappropriate. They liken it to asking for money at inappropriate times, but I don't think so. Certainly we need to be sensitive and thoughtful in doing it, but what better time to talk about salvation than at a service that celebrates resurrection and eternal life. I think it is a great time to tell of the load lifting love of God, and to encourage people to accept this love into their lives. We don't want to be offensive, and we don't want to make people feel guilty, but we can, and should, proclaim salvation and offer it to any who would take it. For some people, funeral services may be the only time they hear about God's freely offered gift of salvation. Let's not be shy about the gospel, we need not be ashamed of it, but let's be gentle in sharing it as well.
