1 Corinthians 15:12-15

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain.” vss. 13-14

There are some who are troubled when believers testify that they have put their trust in Jesus so that they can go to heaven when they die. They believe that the new life in Christ is something to be experienced in the here and now, and that we don’t have to wait until after death to draw close to God. And of course they are right. The kingdom of God comes to us in this life, and we don’t have to wait until we die. But that truth doesn’t mean that we should abandon resurrection as a basic tenet of the Christian faith. Paul is right. Having confidence in the resurrection of the dead is central to what we believe. And without that hope we would have nothing to say to those who are dying. As it is, when believers sense that the end is near, we can bring comfort in a multitude of ways. Not only can we assure them of forgiveness and encourage them to put aside their guilt, we can comfort them with the good news of peace and new life that is ours beyond death. How awful it would be to have nothing hopeful to say to the dying! Christ is Risen, Alleluia! We too will live again!

Thought for the Day: What do I say to someone who is dying?