End of Life Discussions

Last night we had an end of life discussion with my parents that included preferences on burial or cremation choices.

Some people have problems with cremation. Their reasons are varied and some of them valid. For instance, where would the living relatives go to remember their loved one if there is no burial site? Then there are others who for some reason don't believe cremation is a good idea for religious reasons.

I personally don't have a problem with cremation. God is all powerful and when Jesus returns to raise the dead from the graves, he can also put back together the ashes of those who have been cremated. Those who were buried years ago and have since decomposed to nothing are in the same situation as those who are cremated and if God is going to raise them, He will raise the others who have been cremated.

In all of these discussions, it begs the question, do you know where you will spend eternity after death? What or who are you trusting in for your eternal salvation? Are you trusting in your self? Your own good works? Are you trusting in your church? Are you trusting in your ability to obey and follow the commands of your church leaders? Are you trusting in baptism or other church ordinances to get you into heaven? These are all good and worthy things, but will they save you?

The Bible says,

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6)

When we compare our own righteous works to God's holiness, they are as filthy rags. They are not good enough to please God and get us into heaven.

The only way in is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said,

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."(John 14:6)

Ephesians 1:7 says,

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"

Colossians 1:14-20 also shows us that the only way to God is by way of the blood of Jesus and the cross.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. {in...: or, among all}

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Have you come by way of the cross and the blood of Jesus Christ shed on your behalf to make peace between you and God? Will you make it to heaven? If by your own merits, you won't but if on God's terms, I'll see you there one day. I want to see you there too. Please make sure you make it on God's terms.