Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” vs. 1
Hebrews 11:1-3
Whenever a loved one dies and we proclaim with conviction that they rest in peace or are safe in the arms of Jesus, we’re making an important statement of faith. We have no way of proving what we say and rationalists would likely scoff at our words, but we keep on making the claim because it’s the core of our faith. It’s our heart’s deepest conviction and the assurance of all that we hope for. Believers make other faith statements too–some have been incorporated in the creeds that we sometimes use in worship. These are convictions about the nature of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. Obviously there are some differences in what we believe, and we will have contrary opinions about any number of things. Some doctrines aren’t as important to some of us as others, and that’s okay. Our salvation certainly doesn’t depend on perfect agreement about theological matters. But for most people the affirmation of life in the face of death has special significance. Even folks who seem to have no faith at all, when death visits, will speak as though their loved one has a new life. Some are enormously curious about that life and will visit mediums in their search for assurance. For many believers the assurance that comes with faith is enough. Even without proof they are convinced that there is new life in Christ–and there is nothing that can take that faith away.
Thought for the Day: What is life after death like?
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