Topical Bible: The Death of Saints: Met Without Fear

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The death of saints, as depicted in the Bible, is often portrayed as a transition met without fear, characterized by peace and hope in the promises of God. This perspective is rooted in the assurance of eternal life and the presence of the Lord, which provides comfort and courage to believers facing the end of their earthly journey.

Biblical Assurance and Hope

The Scriptures provide numerous assurances that the death of a believer is not to be feared. In Psalm 116:15, it is written, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." This verse underscores the value God places on the lives and deaths of His faithful ones, suggesting that their passing is significant and honored in His eyes.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, expresses a profound confidence in facing death. He writes, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Paul views death as a gain because it brings him into the presence of Christ, which is far better than any earthly experience. This perspective is echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:8, where Paul states, "We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Victory Over Death

The New Testament frequently emphasizes the victory over death achieved through Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Paul declares, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

This passage highlights the Christian belief that death has been defeated through the resurrection of Jesus, removing its power and fear for those who are in Christ. The promise of resurrection and eternal life transforms the believer's view of death from one of dread to one of triumph.

Peace in the Face of Death

The peace that accompanies the death of saints is further illustrated in the account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As he faced execution, Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and saw the glory of God. Acts 7:59-60 records his final moments: "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 peaceful demeanor and forgiving spirit, even in the face of a violent death, exemplify the serenity and fearlessness that can accompany the death of a saint. His vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God provided him with the assurance and courage needed to face death without fear.

The Presence of Christ

The presence of Christ with believers in their final moments is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Psalm 23:4, David writes, "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." This verse conveys the deep sense of comfort and protection that comes from knowing the Lord is present, even in the darkest times.

Jesus Himself reassures His followers of His continual presence in John 14:1-3: "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? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also."

These promises provide a foundation for the peace and fearlessness with which saints can approach death, confident in the knowledge that they will be received into the eternal presence of their Savior.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:55
O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... evil have the days of the years of my life been.' Genesis 47:7. Thus said a godly
patriarch, though he had met with God ... But after death the saints get into ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

On the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29).
... their martyrdom in the place where the chief of the Apostles met their glorious ... as
if God's Grace could be quenched by the death of saints, whose greatest ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxxii on the feast.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... "The poor saints" that were ... themselves, saying"This man doeth nothing worthy of death
or of ... Three Taverns, ten miles nearer to the city, he met another party ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

Society Soon Learned the News of the Countess Hermenstein's ...
... All 'saints' get into ... And his death has made the whole position very much more difficult
for ... said Manuel, a smile irradiating his fair face as he met the angry ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxvii society soon learned the.htm

On the Passion, iii. ; Delivered on the Sunday Before Easter.
... that we acknowledge the two Natures to have met in our ... prepared against the life
of all the saints, to thine ... My soul is sorrowful even unto death [978] ;" and ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon liv on the passion.htm

1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
... gathered mighty churches, and turned countless shiners into saints. ... wants could never
have been met and satisfied ... God, this blessed victory over death and the ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter iv 1 cor 15 3-4.htm

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... about the middle of the 3d century, "met with no ... sheep they are laid in the grave;
death shall feed ... of which the righteous dead and the living saints are made ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm

Written from Rome
... with the word of God that the apostles met the false ... be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light ... work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

We Keep Therefore the one Position, And, in Respect of this ...
... Since the death of His own saints is precious is His ... is to be traced), but that other
which is met in this ... namely, that they must resist idolatry to the death. ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter viii we keep therefore.htm

Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
... And as he passed on, King David met him, by ... further Scotland[875] he ran hither to
death; let us ... The celebration, everywhere renowned, of All Saints[877] comes ...
/.../chapter viii departure from ireland.htm