Christian, "To Die Is Gain"
We Should Long For Heaven
by
Evangelist John R. Rice (1895 - 1980)
An excerpt from Dr. Rice's excellent book: Bible Facts About Heaven
"We Christians often act like heathen. We preach that it is wonderful to be a Christian, that Heaven is to be gained and Hell shunned. Then when one of our loved ones dies, we act as if it were all a lie. Our actions say that this world is a better than the next, that death is a tragedy, and we ask querulously in our unbelief, Why? Why? Why?
We feel that Heaven is bearable, all right, when one has sucked dry all the pleasures of earth. We feel that, only after old age has come upon us, when life is a burden, when health has failed, when we are in the way and our children don't want us, then perhaps we should be resigned to go to Heaven. Subconsciously we look upon Heaven as a scrap heap for the worn-out and useless, a kind of old people's home--better than nothing but not as good as this world, with youth, health and prosperity.
Shame on us!!! When we weep and lament at the death of our loved ones, we often make void our testimony, cast reflection upon the Bible and irreverence on Heaven.
For the Christian, death is not a tragedy but a glorious promotion--not the sad end, but the glorious beginning.
Sometimes we hear people say how sad it is that one should die so young. but that is a deception of Satan. If a young Christian dies, it is not sad but glorious. Many of the fairest buds that ever grew on earth have blossomed in Heaven. However much we miss our loved ones when they fall asleep, let us remember that our mourning is selfish. There is rejoicing in Heaven. Not one in that blessed land would, if he could, return to the decaying form he left, to live out the life he had planned, to see the happiest future he could imagine on this earth. Death for a sinner is horrible, but never for a child of God. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Rev. 14:13). Blessed and happy are the Christian dead!"
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:"
Philippians 1:21-23END
Life Changing Sermons:
Do you know for sure that if you died today you would go to Heaven? You can know!
"I am an old-fashioned preacher of the old-time religion, that has warmed this cold world's heart for two thousand years." -Billy SUNDAY.
