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Funeral Theology

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Shortandy, Jul 13, 2009.

  1. Shortandy

    Shortandy New Member

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    I attended a funeral for a man today that got me thinking. Many times you hear the preacher make a statement about how the person who just recently passed away is reunited with his or her spouse, etc, etc.

    What chapter and verse is this based on? Will I still know my wife as my wife when we die and go to heaven? I have never really thought about it until today.
     
  2. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    The funeral is for the living, not the dead. Words of comfort are always in order for one who is grieving.
     
  3. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    I agree with MP. But we do get some bad theology in funerals. About the husband wife thing, Jesus certainly said the dynamic of the relationship would change in Matthew 22:30 - "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven."

    I don't know what that involves. But on the mountain at the transfiguration, Peter, James and John knew Moses and Elijah. (Matthew 17). So I can imagine we'll know each other. I'd hate that if we were all strangers throughout eternity. :laugh:
     
  4. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    Tom, I have to ask you, how did they know Moses and Elijah? They had certainly never met them.
     
  5. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    I am not certain we can compare the transfiguration figures with heavenly bodies. Throughout scripture we have a number of "resurrection" incidents, but they hardly indicate what the final resurrection will be. We can only guess, fabricate and suggest what we will appear. There is nothing definitive in scripture about our final state. Scripture speaks of roads paved with gold. Do you for one minute believe that heavenly road will literally be paved in gold?

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  6. Karen

    Karen Active Member

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    Maybe not, but if not, then the gold is symbolic of something far MORE wonderful, not lesser.
     
  7. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    ==You will not know her as a spouse since there will be no marriage in heaven (Matt 22:29-33). But you certainly will know her as a sister in the Lord. There is no reason to believe that we will suffer amnesia in heaven. After all David knew he would see his son again (2Sam 12:15-23) and Paul told the believers in Thessalonica that Christians would all be reunited in the sky (1Thess 4:17). While our relationships will be different then they are today because sin will be removed we will know each other. I believe we will know everyone in heaven. After all we will be family for all eternity.

    Something to look forward to :jesus:.
     
  8. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    ==I don't see why it can't be literal gold. John did not say "like gold", he said "the street of the city was pure gold" (Rev 21:21). He seems very certain to me. But we must remember this is the eternal state not the current state. As far as we know, Christians who have passed on are not walking on streets of gold at this time. The streets of gold (etc) are future. Funeral theology can get a bit foggy on this point.
     
  9. Martin

    Martin Active Member

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    ==Words of truth. I hate funerals. In my opinion, they often border on the morbid. Funeral homes are the worse part of funerals. A dead body, all dressed up, laid out in a room, while people stand around and socialize. That is very strange if you ask me. I have told my family that I want no funeral home for me. My personal preference is a short grave-side service. Those are often very dignified and sweet. They lack the awkwardness of some church funerals. I have threatened my family with certain haunting if they dare lay me out in a funeral home. :laugh:
     
  10. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    Knowing our spouses differently after the Lord returns has nothing to do with sin. Adam and eve knew each other before sin in the same way we do now. It is clear we will know each other but it seems to me our focus will be on the Lord rather than ourselves.
     
  11. drfuss

    drfuss New Member

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    Looking Down On Us?

    Many times during funerals, I have heard the minister say that the deceased is looking down on us now. I know of no scripture to support that.
     
  12. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    I attended a funeral about a year and a half ago, and I know the person in the casket was not saved.

    The Baptist preacher said about him....and I paraphrase......

    "I don't know where Billy is today, but I am sure where ever he is, if he could talk to us, he would encourage us to know Jesus Christ".
     
  13. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Drfuss, I fear that many perceive heaven to by up rather than beyond. It is just beyond the fingertips of flesh....out there.....Hence, all the folks who speak of looking down on us.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  14. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    I always tell my wifey

    BabyDoll-------if you go on to Glory before I do-------and then I come sometime later and see you there-------goodness sake---act like you know me-------OK?????

    :laugh::laugh::laugh:
     
  15. Jedi Knight

    Jedi Knight Well-Known Member
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    I was upset once at a pastor who said at my grandfather funeral that"he is with the Lord now",but he never knew him from Adam. My grandfather NEVER attended church or care for the things of God and I think that's just as bad as saying He's in Hell. If ya don't know for sure about someone's spiritual condition don't presume in front of family members just for the sake of comfort. :tear:
     
  16. Jkdbuck76

    Jkdbuck76 Well-Known Member
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    Duh, Amy....they had nametags. :laugh:

    They knew instantly that it was Moses and Elijah, though. I'm wondering if Moses didn't have a staff in his hand and Elijah wasn't standing in a chariot....it is all pure speculation, but keep this in mind:

    God MEANT for the 3 disciples to recognize them.
     
  17. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    Uh... yeah.. the Bible says so... Why the unbelief?
     
  18. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I completely agree! We should speak rightly but always be encouraging.

    Funerals are amazing times to encourage and bring people to hearing more from the Holy Spirit.

    As for Heaven and being married, I have no clue...its a personal preference. I hope I know my wife, I hope I am bonded with my wife in a different and more complete way than here...but I have basis for that hope.

    When I do funerals I try to speak to people and their situation, not romaticize the after life.:saint:
     
  19. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    Certainly do, Brother!! See??? The things described here---such as streets of gold--------we think in our minds

    "Dude!! Streets paved with gold!!"

    I believe the passage both literally and symbolically

    Literal streets of gold------you betcha!!

    Now------think about this

    We think of gold as something of value-----whats the current value of gold-------about $965.00/oz???? Close enough!!!!

    But the passage is there to lead us to believe that----the streets of gold is NOT what makes Heaven valuable---we pave our streets down here with the most invaluable materials known---asphalt and concrete---at about $80/cu.yd

    In Heaven---the gold is NOT a valuable substance-------rather---YOU are!!! YOU are what makes Heaven valuable to the Lord Jesus!!!
     
  20. dh1948

    dh1948 Member
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    In the 35 years I have been preaching, I have never preached the funeral of a lost man!

    Disclaimer: As far as the family is concerned.


    The deceased may have been a reprobate, but when he is dead, somehow, someway, it seems the family remembers that he at one time was a Christian....church member....good man, etc. Yikes!!
     
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