Topical Bible: The Death of Saints: Illustrated

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The death of saints, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound and multifaceted theme that encompasses both the physical end of life and the spiritual transition to eternal glory. The Scriptures provide numerous illustrations and teachings that highlight the significance of a saint's death, offering comfort, hope, and assurance to believers.

Precious in the Sight of the Lord

The Bible affirms the value God places on the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15 declares, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." This verse underscores the intimate care and attention God gives to His faithful ones at the time of their passing. It suggests that the death of a saint is not a mere end but a cherished moment in the divine perspective, marking the completion of their earthly journey and the beginning of their eternal rest.

The Hope of Resurrection

The death of saints is intricately linked to the hope of resurrection. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him." This passage reassures believers that death is not the final word; rather, it is a temporary sleep from which they will awaken to eternal life through the power of Christ's resurrection.

The Example of Christ

The death of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate illustration of a saint's death. His sacrificial death on the cross is central to the Christian faith, providing the means for salvation and eternal life. Hebrews 2:14-15 explains, "Therefore, since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." Christ's victory over death liberates believers from its fear and bondage, offering them the promise of eternal life.

The Martyrdom of Saints

Throughout the Bible, the martyrdom of saints is depicted as a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to God. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, exemplifies this in Acts 7:59-60 : "While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Stephen's death illustrates the peace and forgiveness that characterize the passing of a saint, even in the face of persecution.

The Promise of Eternal Life

The death of saints is accompanied by the promise of eternal life, a central tenet of Christian belief. In John 11:25-26 , Jesus assures, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" This promise offers profound comfort to believers, affirming that physical death is not the end but a transition to everlasting life with God.

The Comfort of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in comforting believers in the face of death. In John 14:16-17 , Jesus promises, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The presence of the Holy Spirit provides peace and assurance to the saints, guiding them through the valley of the shadow of death and into the presence of the Lord.

The Crown of Life

The Bible speaks of a reward awaiting those who remain faithful until death. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This crown symbolizes the eternal reward and honor bestowed upon the saints, who have endured trials and remained steadfast in their faith.

In summary, the death of saints, as illustrated in the Bible, is a moment of divine significance, hope, and transition. It is marked by the promise of resurrection, the example of Christ, the testimony of martyrs, the assurance of eternal life, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the reward of the crown of life. These elements together provide a rich tapestry of meaning and encouragement for believers facing the reality of death.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 16:22
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection. ... of God will undergo it, and
so enter glory without death. ... that a very large number of the saints when the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... to establish our theory, and that the same is illustrated and confirmed ... There is
reason to believe, that as the saints are made perfect at death, so all ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... THE NATURE OF THIS CONSECRATION as illustrated in this ... to fulfil all righteousness,"
that is, all his saints. ... his immersion in suffering; his death and burial ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

Particular Index of Subjects.
... God's providence in, 515, 520. illustrated, 519. its changes, 527. ... for Fourth of
July, 755. teacher, death of, 757, 758. Saints, thanks for all, 981. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/particular index of subjects.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... Justification by Faith"Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness. ... I cannot save myself;
I see absolute death written upon the ... not in the Saviour of saints, but in ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

The Liturgical Standards of the Roman Church.
... Ritualism self-illustrated in the Liturgical Books of Rome. ... months and days of the
civil year; the annually recurring death-days of saints being regarded ...
/.../ 35 the liturgical standards.htm

The Christian Rejoicing in the views of Death and Judgment.
... Surely I come quickly," in the sense illustrated before; and ... dust of thy servants
re-animated, and death, the last ... of all the millions of thy saints whom thy ...
/.../chapter xxix the christian rejoicing.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... The saints are full of happiness, and yet full of ... of itself, is mean and miserable,
and worketh death. ... You see the principle illustrated in sinners, who, after ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

Precious Deaths
... "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints," for a third reason,
because precious attributes are in dying moments gloriously illustrated. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/precious deaths.htm

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... APOCRYPHA, WHICH ARE QUOTED, OR INCIDENTALLY ILLUSTRATED, IN THE ... is not appalled
by the terrors of death, and therefore ... by false prophets, but by saints: as if ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/of passages from the holy.htm