WHY CHRISTIANS HAVE THE ASSURANCE OF RESURRECTION WITH JESUS AFTER DEATH- WHY BELIEVERS DIE IN PEACE

Toronto, Canada      Jeffrey S. Ram, Editor    August 20, 2025

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The way people approach death often differs dramatically based on their religions. For many elderly individuals of non-Christian faiths, death brings with it fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. It’s seen as an end—sometimes followed by judgment, reincarnation, or absorption into an impersonal spiritual force. In contrast, many elderly Christians face death with peace, even joy, believing it to be a temporary sleep before the glorious resurrection with Jesus Christ.

1. THE CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDING OF DEATH: SLEEP IN CHRIST IS A TEMPORARY REST

Apostle Paul affirmed: “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

For Christians, death is a temporary sleep because the dead in Christ will be awakened at the return of Jesus.

2. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS: THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN HOPE

The historical and spiritual event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith.

Apostle Paul declared this foundational belief: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-20)

Apostle Paul reiterated: “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

Christians believe that just as Christ rose from the dead, so too will those who die in Him.

3. JESUS’ PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE

Jesus repeatedly assured His followers that death is not the end. Death is a passage, not a final destination.

In John 14:1–3, Jesus comforts His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me.”

The assurance here is that Jesus Himself is preparing a place for each believer who will be welcomed by Him into eternal fellowship.

4. EXAMPLES OF PEACEFUL DEATHS

Throughout Christian history, countless testimonies document believers—young and old—facing death with serenity.

a) Stephen the Martyr

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, died praying for his persecutors and committing his spirit to Jesus. “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60)

The word "fell asleep" again emphasizes peace, even in a violent death.

Church history is filled with similar examples: Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, died as a martyr in the Roman arena, executed by wild lions in the year 107 AD. Polycarp, Christian bishop of Smyrna, died a martyr in 155 AD, bound and burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to consume his body. Perpetua and Felicity also faced martyrdom not with dread, but with hope. Their peace came from the firm belief that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).

In the early church, martyrdom was seen as an honourable expression of one’s commitment to Christian faith.

b) Modern-day Evangelist Billy Graham

Evangelist Billy Graham often spoke about death with anticipation rather than fear. Before his death in 2018, he famously said:"Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address." He expressed this belief to convey his faith in an afterlife and his certainty of being in God's presence after death,

c) Ordinary Believers

Many Christian seniors pass away surrounded by hymns, Scripture, and prayer. Hospice chaplains frequently observe that Christian patients often die with a sense of calm, unlike others who express anxiety or terror.

Such confidence flows from deep faith in the promises of Scripture and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

5. CONTRAST WITH NON-CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES ON DEATH

While many non-Christian religions also speak of an afterlife, the paths are often uncertain or based on merit, karma, or mystical outcomes. For instance:

• Hinduism teaches reincarnation, where people's next life depends on their deeds. This creates anxiety for many, as they wonder what form they will return in or how long their cycle of rebirth will last.

• Islam offers the promise of Paradise, but many Muslims express uncertainty about their fate, as entry is determined by Allah’s will and a balance of deeds. Even devout followers sometimes worry about divine judgment.

• Buddhism offers nirvana—a release from suffering—but this requires a deep level of enlightenment and detachment that few feel they have achieved.

In contrast, Christianity offers assurance, not uncertainty. Eternal life is not earned but given freely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

This gift leads to confident expectation, not fearful speculation.

6. THE COMFORT OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND TEACHING

Churches and Christian communities regularly reinforce the hope of resurrection. Funerals are often framed as celebrations of life and transitions to glory. The elderly are reminded in sermons, hymns, and fellowship that they are destined for resurrection.

One popular hymn, “Because He Lives,” includes the line:“And then one day, I’ll cross that river; I’ll fight life’s final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to victory; I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.”

Such music implants eternal hope in the hearts of Christian seniors.

7. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ASSURING BELIEVERS

Christians believe the Holy Spirit lives within them and assures them of their future resurrection. Apostle Paul confirmed: “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)

This inward presence of God gives peace, especially near the end of life.

CONCLUSION: A LIVING HOPE THAT CONQUERS THE FEAR OF DEATH

Christians have the assurance of resurrection with Jesus after death.  While the elderly in many religions face death with uncertainty or dread, Christian seniors often face death with peace, hope, and even anticipation.

As Apostle Paul declared:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.Where, O death, is your victory?Where, O death, is your sting?”  (1 Corinthians 15:54–55)

For the Christians, death is but a momentary sleep in Jesus. The cross and the empty tomb speak louder than the grave. The final word belongs not to death, but to life, and not just life, but life with Christ forever.

Reference: The Bible (New International Version-NIV)