You drove past a Cemetery

 


Things You will Never do in Heaven, Part 6

 

Introduction

Some people might not know the difference between the words, cemetery and graveyard.  But it is simple. A graveyard is one that is connected to church grounds and a cemetery isn’t.

The Greek word for cemetery is, nekrotafeio and it means, “sleeping place”. Which is why you will read the phrase, rested with his fathers in the OT.

Oftentimes, you will drive past a cemetery, or graveyard, in your travels. In Heaven, though, there won’t be a need for cemeteries at all!

 

Bible Examples

In the OT, it tells of Abraham buying a field from the sons of Heth (read Genesis 23). Here he, and many others of the family, were buried (Gen. 49:31; 50:13).

In the NT, we learn of Lazarus; his burial and resurrection (John 11:17-45).

We also learn that Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed (Matthew 27:57-60).


The Reality of Death

The next time you go into a cemetery, take your bible with you and read this passage aloud, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). This clearly refutes the notion of “Left Behind” and “The Rapture”.

Upon Jesus’ return, all will be taken up; first the Christians (1 Thess. 4:16-17) and then the rest (Jn. 5:28-29). No one will be overlooked.

Burials are temporary as the soul lives on in Hades (Lk. 16:19-31). The body, itself, no longer has a use but it is burial as a sign of respect. Those who weren’t buried is seen as a judgment by God. See the subject, burial, for more information in the ISBE.

 

Conclusion

Cemeteries are advantageous as those who come together, gathering for one reason. Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better. (Ecclesiastes 7:2-3)

Take stock of your own life and make sure you are right with The Lord. Once this life is over, no changes can be made to where you end up.

 

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