(1Th 4:14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.
I often look on Facebook and people are wishing Loved Ones who have gone on a happy birthday. They might also wish them a Happy Heavenly Birthday and post other things on Facebook believing their departed Loved Ones can see them. I truly believe that those in Christ who have departed here are no longer aware of what is happening on this earth. In our scripture texts the Apostle Paul refers to the departed in Christ as to have fallen asleep. He also refers to them as being asleep in the following verses.
(1Th 4:15 MKJV) For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep.
(1Th 4:16 MKJV) For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Jesus himself referred to Lazarus as being asleep (John 11:11) He said these things; and after that He said to them, Our friend Lazarus sleeps. But I go so that I may awaken him out of sleep. Jesus also said that those who believed in him would not die (John 11:26) And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? This is why when our loved ones who leave us depart, we say they transitioned. I truly believe our departed loved ones are in a state of rest and peace.
(Heb 12:1) Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Some believe that departed loved ones are part of the great cloud of witnesses. I often say if this were true then heaven would be a very chaotic place because our loved ones who have departed would be so upset by what they see going on down here. I believe as both Jesus and the Apostle Paul stated our departed loved ones who were in Christ are in some form of sleep or rest. Just as when we are asleep down here. I believe our loved ones are aware of their surroundings in their state of rest. (2Co 5:8) then we are confident, and we are pleased rather to go away from home out of the body, and to come home to the Lord. So, when we leave our earthly home, we go to our heavenly home. Our departed loved ones are really home now however in what state of consciousness they have it’s hard to say. I just don’t believe they are aware of what’s going on here on earth.
When it comes to Heavenly birthdays there is no such thing because there is no time in heaven. Man was created to live forever but because of his sin time as we know it came into existence. It’s one thing for us to remember our loved one’s birthdays here, when they transition they go from time to eternity. Another thing I often see on Facebook is RIP & RIH for those who have accepted the Lord as their personal savior that is so true, they are truly resting in peace and in the presence of the savior in some form of rest. However, for those who did not know Christ while they were here or did not accept the gift of salvation before they left this earth. They are not RIP or RIH they are in torment in a place from which there is no relief or escape. Their fate is hopeless and for eternity they will reside in Hell. If you are reading this and don’t know the Lord you still have a chance.
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. If you don’t know the Lord pray to God that he opens your heart to the truth of these verses so that you also might believe and be saved. Then ask God to help you find a church or someone to help you to understand the plan of salvation and what it truly means to be a Christian according to scripture and to live a Christian life. For those of you that miss your departed loved ones cherish and celebrate their lives. Remember the good and know that soon very soon there is going to be a Great Reunion and you will be with them once again. Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike
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