When people die (Gospel, hell, punishment, church) - - City-Data Forum

Hoosier · 10-03-2008, 09:36 AM

Have you been to a funeral and the pastor has talked about the person going to heaven? How many funerals have you been to where the pastor or family preached about the person going to hell? Not everyone is bound for heaven, so why the silence?

If the path to destruction is broad and not everyone is getting into heaven then why is the gospel not presented at the funerals? Why do we not talk to our friends and loved ones about Jesus? I understand they are in mourning and we should definitely speak and act as the Spirit directs, but are we all listening?

I've had many loved ones pass into eternity and there is only one that I know is with the Lord. A few I am almost certain are in hell, which bothers me to no end since I loved and still love them so very much. I am so thankful that a few faithful people spoke to me at the right time in my life and my eyes and heart were opened to the truth.

I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA · 10-03-2008, 09:58 AM

I believe the moment a Christian passes away from this life we in the presence of Jesus, Paul said absent from the body, present with the Lord. I have been to one funeral where the plan of salvation was presented, it was very moving and some people accepted Christ that day.

urbanlemur · 10-03-2008, 10:21 AM

Hoosier and ILNC, I attended a funeral for my uncle earlier this year and thought that some in my family were saved. After the service, the pastor gave an altar call which delighted those of us who know the Lord. To my surprise, some of my family members complained about him doing so at the restaurant afterwards and I realized that I have a few folks in my family that I need to add to our prayer list. I have tried to talk to them in the past but to no avail so I continue to pray for an opening. The only other thing we can do is continue in our walk with God and let our actions speak for us. Blessings.

Birdy_56 · 10-03-2008, 10:55 AM

"We must all die and are like water spilled on the ground that cannot be gathered up again, but the Lord does not take away life, instead He devises ways for the banished to be restored."

Literally: for the banished to not be banished

Ilene Wright · 10-03-2008, 10:56 AM

What a fine line this one is to walk. I've been to many funerals, beginning around the age of 7. And one side of my family is BIG on taking pictures of the deceased. But that's another thread.

And never, ever do I remember anyone talking about the gospel or getting saved. Maybe they did and I just don't remember, but I don't think so.

Speaking of the deceased going to hell is just not acceptable. No one wants to hear that, especially at such an emotional time. But saying someone is going to heaven when everyone knows that they aren't isn't good either. I have a story about what can happen when someone speaks their mind at such an awful time.

My father was divorced from his 4th wife, but they still dated.

Yeah, I know. She had a son who was mentally challenged and lived next door to her. He was in his 40's, but he still managed to work and sort of take care of himself. He developed cancer, and no one knew about it until it was too late and he died. It was a shock to the family and everyone was grieving tremendously.

Dear old Dad decided to "have a talk" with the family right after the funeral, and proceeded to tell them that Herb was going to hell, his mother was to blame for it because she coddled him, and that the family should think about this and all get saved. He had a "talk" with the minister, chastising him for saying that Herb was going to heaven. The situation exploded, needless to say, and they detest my father for doing this during such an emotional time. Do you think anyone would want to "get saved" after such an arrogant, insensitive display of such a superior mindset? I sure wouldn't!! And this is exactly why I ran from Christianity for so long.

It's too sensitive of a subject to discuss at funerals, IMO. There's a time and place for everything, and discretion, kindness and love speak volumes enough to show how important it is to be saved. It doesn't need to be said at a time such as a funeral. Inviting someone to church or offering to pray with them at a later time would be more appropriate.

Fundamentalist · 10-03-2008, 10:58 AM

I agree with you that we need to tell people about Christ but it just isn't a good idea for a preacher to preach about hell during a funeral, NOW if you want to go to the front politely telling the guest that your heart is heavy and you just want to speak for about 5 minutes because this is so very important, the most important thing - without being judgmental, give them the law (10 commandments, how they broke them and God is angry but He shows His mercy by sending His son to take our place so that God can pour all His wrath (punishment) on Jesus instead of us, then I am ALL for that!

Buckeye in SC · 10-03-2008, 11:10 AM

A friend of mine once told me that "Everyone was a Christian at their funeral"

I agree w/some of the other posters, it's such a fine line to toe on what to expect at one's funeral. I am an expert on my opinion though, and what I want at my funeral is for people to be authentic, speak about me how you really saw me, not fluff. Unfortunately, this is the world we live in, a ton of fluff and little substance. Even while we're alive, how often are we actually authentic w/each other? Only in the most intimate relationship most of the time. However, I respect a person so much more when they say it like it is, regardless if I agree w/them or not. If you are an atheist, have that proclaimed at the funeral, and I will respect your memory much more than if you lived like an atheist all your life and then at your funeral the preacher proclaims how you were such a good person and knew Christ and are going to heaven, etc.

My hope is the gospel is preached at my funeral, just like it was at my wedding, I feel that any gathering of large groups of people for life events like that merit God getting the glory.

driftwoodpoint · 10-03-2008, 11:14 AM

When my mom passed away in 04 my dad said what she would want is for the pastor to tell everyone about Christ. It was a full blown gospel message. My mom was very accomplished, had creative hobbies and was very bright but the most important decision in their lives were to become Christians in their 50's.
I think when someone doesn't know the Lord it must be very sad for the family. Hard to rejoice that they are with God when you just don't know.
What could you say about them...it's just dust. So very sad. That's why we should be salt and light. Show God's love to the world...

CelticLady1 · 10-03-2008, 11:23 AM

Well, I no longer believe in an eternal hell, (I know, I'm in the minority on this one

), but even if I still did, I think it is distasteful, tactless, and unkind to bring up the idea, particularly at a funeral, that "Granny", or "Uncle Joe", are currently in hell. That just fills one up with hope, and thankfulness for the "Good News", doesn't it?

Not to mention the nerve some preachers have to confidently state that "so-and-so" is in hell. How is it that they know this? Do they have a hotline to God that they are privey to such knowledge?

I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA · 10-03-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftwoodpoint

When my mom passed away in 04 my dad said what she would want is for the pastor to tell everyone about Christ. It was a full blown gospel message. My mom was very accomplished, had creative hobbies and was very bright but the most important decision in their lives were to become Christians in their 50's.
I think when someone doesn't know the Lord it must be very sad for the family. Hard to rejoice that they are with God when you just don't know.
What could you say about them...it's just dust. So very sad. That's why we should be salt and light. Show God's love to the world...

My mother has told me many times she wants the focus of her funeral to be Jesus, not her. Funerals are sad, but how much sadder it must be for the family of an unsaved person.