Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Dear family and friends of Bill Witte:
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your dear William. It was surprising to learn that he passed away so young. No matter how often we either hear of or expect it, we will never get used to the experience of death. However, it is encouraging to know that the Bible holds out a hope to see our dead loved ones alive on earth again.
It sounds impossible, but Jesus showed that this is a promise that we can experience. It seems so unfair that death should have the power to take away someone you love. And when it happens, the thought of never again being able to talk to, laugh with, or hold your loved one can be most difficult to bear. That pain is not necessarily erased by being told that your loved one is up in heaven.
The Bible, however, holds out a much different hope. As I mentioned earlier, the Bible indicates that it is possible to be reunited with your dead loved one in the near future, not in an unknown heaven but right here on earth under peaceful, righteous conditions. And at that time humans will have the prospect of enjoying perfect health, and they will never have to die again.
In fact, Jesus Christ boldly promised: “Just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his [Jesus’] voice and come out.” (John 5:21, 28, 29) Yes, Jesus Christ promised that millions now dead will live again on this earth and have the prospect of remaining on it forever under peaceful, paradisaic conditions. (Luke 23:43; John 3:16; 17:3)
Is that not a wonderful hope? And since Jesus made such a promise, we can be assured that he will fulfill it.
So I hope that these few thoughts will provide some measure of hope and encouragement to you and yours. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Wil Kelsey
