Topical Bible: The Death of Saints: Met With Resignation

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The death of saints, as depicted in the Bible, is often met with a profound sense of resignation and peace, reflecting a deep trust in God's sovereign will and the hope of eternal life. This attitude is rooted in the understanding that death is not the end but a transition to a promised eternal communion with God.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the patriarchs and faithful servants of God often approached death with a sense of fulfillment and readiness. For instance, Genesis 25:8 describes the death of Abraham: "Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a ripe old age, an old man and full of years, and he was gathered to his people." This phrase "gathered to his people" suggests a peaceful acceptance and a belief in a continued existence beyond death.

Similarly, Jacob, when nearing his death, expressed a serene acceptance of his fate. In Genesis 49:33, it is written, "When Jacob had finished instructing his sons, he drew his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people." Jacob's actions demonstrate a calm resignation, having blessed his sons and prepared for his departure.

New Testament Perspectives

The New Testament further emphasizes the theme of resignation in the face of death, particularly through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and His apostles. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, articulates a profound acceptance of death, viewing it as gain. Philippians 1:21 states, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Paul's words reflect a deep conviction that death brings him closer to Christ, which he considers far better.

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, exemplifies this resignation in Acts 7:59-60. As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." His peaceful acceptance and forgiveness of his persecutors highlight a profound trust in God's plan and a readiness to enter into His presence.

Theological Reflections

The resignation with which saints meet death is deeply rooted in the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life. This hope is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and promised eternal life to His followers. In John 11:25-26, Jesus declares, "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."

The assurance of eternal life transforms the Christian perspective on death, allowing believers to face it with peace and confidence. This resignation is not a passive acceptance but an active trust in God's promises, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, where Paul, nearing the end of his life, writes, "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day."

Practical Implications

The resignation with which saints meet death serves as a powerful testimony to the living hope found in Christ. It encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing their relationship with God and the fulfillment of His purposes. This attitude also provides comfort and strength to those who mourn, reminding them of the promise of reunion in the presence of the Lord.

In summary, the death of saints met with resignation is a profound expression of faith and hope, rooted in the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This perspective transforms the experience of death from one of fear and uncertainty to one of peace and anticipation of the glory to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 50:24
And Joseph said to his brothers, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 23:14
And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you; all are come to pass to you, and not one thing has failed thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 2:2
I go the way of all the earth: be you strong therefore, and show yourself a man;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... rest as on the Saviour's bosom, for life or death. ... On one occasion we met a young
girl, with bare ... illiberal Haugeans [followers of Hauge], or Saints, as they ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
... then, whether it end in life or death, his great ... whom we had letters of recommendation,
we met them after ... I have great faith in the communion of saints, in the ...
/.../chapter xxi last journey and.htm

Preached on Occasion of the Death of the Rev. Mr. John Fletcher ...
... The poorest met with the same attention from him as ... patience, in which he smiled
over death, and set ... and some of idolatry, in worshipping saints, the Virgin ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 133 preached on occasion.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... not always travel by his side, generally met him at ... generally prosperous, sinners
were converted, and saints "built up on ... I would not be loved to death, and so ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Nice, a small town in Thrace, where they met the heads ... that they were the leaders
of the saints, and if ... for their protection were by fear of death compelled to ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

On the Presentation of the Blessed virgin, or on the Octave of Her ...
... theirs. Others pray fervently to our Lady and to other Saints about all their
affairs. ... suffering. How, think ye, should death be met? Children ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xiv on the presentation.htm

Preparing to Depart
... up dripping on the other bank to be met by the ... ride on the white horse of victory,
his saints shall ride ... Had there been death before the Fall, I could imagine ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/preparing to depart.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... followers of Jesus had met their death by cruel ... saw that at the crucifixion type
had met antitype, that ... of Saul's bitter persecution of the saints at Jerusalem ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

The Faith of Abraham.
... is the moral theory accepted by the greater saints of the ... of Jesus up to and in His
death made His ... God met His servant at that stage of spiritual perception ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

The Destroyer Destroyed
... Why, the little hornets that you have met have worried you ... What a sweet thought the
death of Christ brings us ... spirits in heaven and the militant saints on earth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the destroyer destroyed.htm