Burial is not the end for believers; this is wonderful news for everyone who places their faith in Jesus as their Savior. Genesis 23:1When Sarah was 127 years old, 2 she died at Kiriath-arba (now called Hebron) in the land of Canaan. There Abraham mourned and wept for her. [1] Shortly after her death, Abraham bought a burial plot for his wife from the Hittites, known as the cave of Machpelah.
There, Sarah was buried, but death is not the end; it is the doorway to eternity. For Sarah, heaven awaited her because she was a person of faith. Hebrews 11:11 It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.[2]
Sarah’s life beautifully illustrates her deep and unwavering faith in God, which enabled her to have a child and transformed her doubts into pure joy. Her legacy continues to inspire believers to trust in the Lord, even when life feels like an arduous journey.
The Connection between Faith and Heaven
Genesis 23:19 Then Abraham buried his wife, Sarah, there in Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre (also called Hebron). 20 So the field and the cave were transferred from the Hittites to Abraham for use as a permanent burial place. [3]
As a pastor, I have officiated at many burials, and although this may be a sad time, it is not the end. What Jesus said to Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus gives us insight into the relationship between faith and heaven. John 11:25“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.[4] Yes, as people of faith, we will live with the Lord in heaven for all eternity.
Heaven is Our Home
Jesus gives us a promise. John 14:3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.[5] Isn’t that wonderful? When we trust in Jesus today, we’ll live with Him forever. All the hardships of this earthly life will be behind us, with no more pain, tears, or the evils we’ve faced in this world. The joys of heaven will be infinitely more fulfilling than anything the world offers.
No matter what challenges you’re facing right now, no matter how tough the struggle may seem, we can look to the future with confidence. Our faith in Jesus strengthens day by day as we continue to follow Him through life’s difficulties. Just as those inspiring men and women in the Bible did, you and I can endure the circumstances of this world, knowing that what happens in this life is temporary.
As we reflect on heaven, the words of Jesus take on new meaning. John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [6]
To learn how burial is not the end for believers, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-journey-through-grief-and-hope
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.