My beautiful, precious, lovely, wonderful mother passed away yesterday morning. Thank you for those who prayed as she went peacefully.
I too have peace. And today of all day is a good example to tell you why.
I don’t have to worry where my mother is at. Whether she is in Paradise or another place. I know where she is.
It isn’t because of her good works. Although she had a lifetime of them. She was a community figure and known for her great love and kindness to people. “Kindness” is the most frequent thing people have said to me the last few days in remembering her.
But it’s not her kindness and good deeds why I have peace.
You see if I was a Mormon, I would have to wonder if her good deeds were enough to enter into the highest heaven where eternal families are at. Otherwise I would likely be separated if she or I weren’t good enough.
If I was a Muslim, I would have to wonder if her good deeds outweighed her bad deeds. But even in Islam Muhammad said he didn’t know if he was saved (Quran 46:9). It says in the hadith he asked for forgiveness 70 days a day and prayed daily for rescue from Hell-Fire.
If I were an Asian religion I’d have to wonder if she had enough karma to make it to the next upgraded cycle of life. Or reached Nirvana.
If I were an atheist, there would be no hope at all. It’s over and gone. Done.
But here’s the thing. I don’t have to wonder. I can KNOW. I know that my mom is in heaven. Why?
Because of Jesus.
Jesus died for our sins. He paid the debt. No man can pay for another man’s sins. But Jesus was God in flesh. Sinless. Separate from sinners. That’s why he could pay for our sins.
And all who trust in Him are forgiven. They are given the gift of eternal life.
My mother trusted Jesus.
She is now with Jesus.
In heaven.
And you can have that confidence and assurance too. For when you die. And for those who you love who know the Lord.
I grieve my mom. I am so sad that I don’t get to be with her the remaining days of my life on this earth.
But I grieve with great hope.
And my hope is that you come to know that hope also.
His name is Jesus.
