Resignation: The Prospect of Death
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Resignation in the face of death is a theme that resonates deeply within the Christian faith, reflecting a trust in God's sovereignty and the hope of eternal life. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how believers are to approach the inevitability of death with a spirit of peace and acceptance.

Biblical Examples of Resignation

One of the most poignant examples of resignation to death is found in the life of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses a profound acceptance of his potential martyrdom, stating, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Paul’s words reflect a deep-seated belief that death is not an end but a transition to a more glorious existence with Christ.

Similarly, the Old Testament provides the example of Job, who, despite immense suffering and the prospect of death, maintains his faith in God. Job declares, "Though He slays me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). This statement underscores a steadfast trust in God's ultimate plan, even when faced with mortality.

Teachings on Death and Eternal Life

The Bible teaches that death is a consequence of sin but also emphasizes the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Paul triumphantly proclaims, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" . This passage highlights the Christian belief that through Christ’s resurrection, the power of death has been defeated, offering believers the assurance of eternal life.

Jesus Himself provides comfort regarding death in John 14:1-3, where He assures His disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" . This promise of a prepared place in heaven offers believers a profound sense of peace and resignation when contemplating their own mortality.

The Role of Faith and Trust

Resignation to the prospect of death is deeply intertwined with faith and trust in God’s promises. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," recounts the accounts of numerous individuals who faced death with unwavering faith. These examples serve as a testament to the power of faith in overcoming the fear of death.

Psalm 23, a beloved passage, encapsulates the essence of trusting God in the face of death: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). This verse reassures believers of God’s presence and guidance, even in life’s darkest moments.

Practical Implications for Believers

For Christians, resignation to death involves a daily commitment to live in accordance with God’s will, preparing spiritually for the life to come. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to live holy and godly lives as they await the new heaven and new earth promised by God (2 Peter 3:11-13). This anticipation of eternal life motivates believers to approach death not with fear, but with hope and readiness.

In summary, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and accepting the prospect of death through faith, trust, and the hope of resurrection. By looking to the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to face death with a spirit of resignation, confident in the promise of eternal life with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... prospect of my ever seeing Norway. He blessed me with resignation and sustaining
grace, so that I could rest as on the Saviour's bosom, for life or death. ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

Lyra Germanica: Second Series: The Christian Life
... Conflict and Heaven In the near prospect of Death. The Final Conflict and Heaven
In Weakness and Distress of Mind. The Final Conflict and Heaven Resignation. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica second series the christian life/

Paul's Desire to Depart
... We have seen men shriek at the prospect of it ... deserted by God's Spirit and given
up to a seared conscience have gone to their death with idiot resignation. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/pauls desire to depart.htm

Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
... conflict of spirit, arising out of a prospect of a ... May the Lord grant me resignation,
faith, grace, and strength to ... whether it end in life or death, his great ...
/.../chapter xxi last journey and.htm

Preached on Occasion of the Death of the Rev. Mr. John Fletcher ...
... felt the whole parting scene, and struggled for perfect resignation. ... If the prospect
of glory sweetly opens before thee ... that the least trace of death was scarce ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 133 preached on occasion.htm

Organizes a Church at Deland. Health Improves. Relapses. Starts ...
... Resignation. ... When there was little or no prospect, there was little or no concern ...
do anything, I was anxious to get my business arranged, with a view to death. ...
/.../chapter xviii organizes a church.htm

Carey's Last Days
... all the talk was the same, a humble resignation to the ... fruit of which he saw before
his death in Twenty ... which filled Carey's soul in the prospect of entering ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

Gentiles Seeking Christ.
... not my will but thine be done." Here the perfect resignation that follows the ... the
faith of his disciples who still stumbled over the prospect of his death. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/gentiles seeking christ.htm

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... 40, 1:41; the hope of it our support, 2:65; its prospect makes death ... 2:46; executed
by Christ, 1:1; over afflictions and death, 1:83 ... Resignation, see Submission ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm

Indexes and Tables
... [1873]65; its prospect makes death easy, ii. ... [2166]46; over afflictions and death,
i. [2167]83; ... Repenting prodigal, i. [2191]123. Resignation, see Submission. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/indexes and tables.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about acceptance? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about fate / destiny? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to pray, “Thy will be done”? | GotQuestions.org

Resignation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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