Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life is about the assurance believers have of life after death. Despite suffering the loss, there is joy in knowing we will see our loved ones again in heaven.
WARNINGSPILGRIM'S DESK
Trace Pirtle
3 min read
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
But the author of Hebrews offered humanity a more sobering reality on the certainty of death: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, NIV).
Death as a Transition
People transition from this life every day. Some are beloved family members, cherished friends, and valued neighbors.
When someone passes, we experience the ripple effect of pain and suffering. Some suffering we experience directly; other suffering is vicarious as we “…weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15, NKJV).
We are told that “Jesus wept” for His friend Lazarus (John 11:35, NKJV), so it is expected that we will likewise weep for those who graduate this life.
Good news spoiler alert: Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead; He raises all who are His from the dead, too!
Celebration of Life
I’ve been to many Celebrations of Life. Some celebrations were for non-believers and others for those who were saved by the blood of Jesus.
In both celebrations, the person was remembered for the good they had done, the impact they had on those who knew them—the good times and the hard times and how they transitioned through each season.
I/we reflected on the irreplaceable nature of the departed. We smiled and laughed as we recalled the person’s humanity. We truly celebrated their life and shared the gaping hole in our hearts.
And as we departed in silence, the numbness and thoughts of “this can’t be happening, but is” flooded our collective minds. Life would never be the same.
The life “dash” was complete. Birth — Death. Now the infinity symbol remains forever.
Celebration of Eternal Life
But here is where the Celebration of Life differs from one person to the next and for those who remain behind. It is where the sobering truth of Hebrews 9:27 is most profound.
The Bible gives us assurances about what happens after one dies. For the believer, the Apostle Paul says, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8, NKJV).
For believers who transition from one breath on this side to another breath in heaven, the “judgment” is giving an account of one’s life, both good and bad (see Romans 14:12, NKJV).
The “bad news” for both believers and unbelievers alike is that the bad will come to light in the Light of the Lord. That’s why we always need to do our best to align with God.
The GOOD NEWS (for those who are saved) is that while the “wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NKJV).
Now that is good news indeed and cause for a Celebration of Eternal Life.
Concluding Thoughts
We all know that death is inevitable. Those left behind may gather together for a Celebration of Life, an event that captures the essence of the person and the impact they had on the world.
But no matter how “good” a person was in this life—whether a Christian believer or a nonbeliever— “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NKJV).
Each person who stands before Jesus to give an account of their life will be found lacking. But those who before death had acknowledged they were sinners, needed a Savior, confessed with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believed in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, will be saved (see Romans 10:9).
For me, that is what transforms a Celebration of Life into a Celebration of Eternal Life. To know that those we love and care about are safely in heaven—for eternity—brings peace despite suffering the loss.
And, as I always say…for believers, there are no goodbyes, only I’ll see you in heaven.
I pray that every person considers not only the “dash” between birth and death, but more importantly, the infinity symbol that represents eternity.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6, NKJV). Think about it!
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Take a look at other Pilgrim's Desk entries:
Daily Christian Reflections
Walking With Jesus
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