Page 49 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Tasks of Ministry 49

Beyond the Grave

What one believes about life after death has an enormous impact on how one
faces death and life. Those who believe that death brings nothingness are void of
any hope when confronted with their mortality. They believe this life is all there
is and can see no possible good in the road on which they now travel.
Those who believe in life after death find strength in facing death, depending
on what they believe about the quality of their future life. Of course, the validity of
their beliefs is essential to the level of hope they possess. Paul’s words tell us what
lies beyond this natural life. He spoke with certainty because God has shown us, as
believers, an eternal existence with Him. Thus, we do not sorrow indefinitely, nor
do we have reason for fear when the time of our own death comes.
16 How has your own view A minister would do well to remember that the understanding we have of life
of life after death affected beyond the grave is the key component in bringing comfort to the grieving. No
your understanding of death? other factor matters as much. Occasionally a person or a family is comforted over
the fact that death has ended a loved one’s suffering, but if there was no faith
relationship with God through His Son while that loved one lived in this life, that
relief is short-lived. The only lasting comfort comes from the knowledge that
God has prepared a place for His children, and they will be reunited.
The Bible offers no other hope in such moments. We have the promise of
eternal life only if we receive Christ as Savior and yield our lives to Him. In the
absence of such choice, the Bible’s words of future existence are far worse than
nothingness. Judgment and eternal separation from God are the destination of
those who reject the love their Creator has extended.
Caring for the Body
While the minister’s work in these moments is heavily focused on the
spiritual and eternal, he or she will often be drawn into questions concerning
practical issues such as how to handle the body of the deceased. Though we
understand that the loved one no longer dwells in the physical body, the earthly
tabernacle is the most tangible representation we possess. So we express our
honor through memorial services.
Each culture has had its own essential approaches to dealing with the body.
In western culture, embalming and burial have served as the dominant approach
for more than a century. More recently, however, cremation has emerged as a
growing approach. This has caused some to question as to the correct or biblical
manner of dealing with the corpse, and the minister may be sought for counsel.
While many are uncomfortable with acts like cremation, we should understand
that such concerns are based more on culture and familiarity than biblical
authority. For centuries, humans disposed of bodies through a variety of means,
including burning. Modern practices reflect our advancing technologies and
societal preferences but should not be equated with biblical authority.
A minister’s guidance in such hours should focus on the respect and honor a
family desires to demonstrate for the deceased loved one. Whether they choose burial
or cremation, the understanding of death’s nature should be in focus, and attention
must be turned to the grieving. The sensations of the body have ended, making
cremation no less pleasant than being laid to rest in a peaceful location. It is the
feelings of the living that are more often the determining factor of the type of burial.