Revelation 14:13

here we must sow in tears, there we shall reap in joy. Here we labor, there we shall enjoy the fruits of toil, where no blight or mildew can endanger the harvest. Truly blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,

end quote. If you take a look at the Westminster Shorter Catechism, question number 37, the question,

what benefits do believers receive from Christ at death? The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass into glory. And their bodies, still being united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.

Take a look at the Westminster Larger Catechism, question number 86.

What is the communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible church enjoy immediately after death, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies, which even in death continue united to Christ and rest in their graves as in their beds, till at the last day they be again united to their souls.

Vastly different than the doctrine of purgatory. Number three, a celebrated life. The second demonstration of blessedness is that the works do follow them into their life beyond the grave. This gives dignity to everything that we do, everything that we have done to honor, to thank, to glorify Jesus Christ. and they don't go before them as a title, but rather as evidence of having lived and died in the Lord. Just to clarify, something we all know, but it's a slippery slope for some. Our works do not earn the reward of eternal life. but rewards in eternal life, treasures in heaven, if you will, a crown to our life of faith, where honorable deeds have been performed in gratitude for salvation and obedience to God's word. Quick note, and you all know this, but just to underscore, We're not talking about great achievements. We're talking about daily consistent works of love and of faith that matter the most to him and please him the best. One final note on these works, they're our works. but they've been empowered by God's grace and assessed by the eyes of mercy and perfected by the cleansing blood. Only the works of Christ matter. Have five applications. A, aging as they're moving toward Revelation 14, 13. Key element is lament as they're moving toward this rest. B, chronic illness and the caretakers. Key element is endurance. C, persecution. We read about key element is perseverance. D, two parts, death itself. Key element, mourning and grieving and comforting. Part two is the celebration of a life well lived. That's the key element, life well lived. And E, ministry to the living, believers and unbelievers. Counsel is the key element. Going back to the way we started, how to live, and how to die. Four quick reminders to complete the 3-4-5 profile. Four quick reminders. Christ's blessing in death is directed to those that are now living in faith. The only way to die in the Lord is to live in the Lord. So if you have not yet done that, don't know if we have any visitors tonight, please come to Christ. Number two, it is our knowledge of eternal life that allows us to live boldly in this life. So do that. Humble life, but live boldly. Number three, regardless of where you are now, a lot of young people, praise God, you need to finish well. I'm always, blessed by the number of people we have in this church that love the Lord in their young age. But I've lived long enough that I've seen people fall away. They're impressive when they're young, middle age, but they fall away because of the brokenness of this world. So please finish well. And number four, we know that life is a vapor. John Piper's words when he was diagnosed, he wrote a book called Don't Waste Your Life. When Tim Keller was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he spoke to young people and old people. And his words were,

don't think you have time. Don't think you have time.

We pay lip service to that. And we've been touched recently. Please pray with me. Father, we thank you for your son, your spirit, and your word. In his name we pray, amen.