Passing On
We’ve all had relatives, friends, and loved ones who have completed their time on earth and have “passed on” to that which lies beyond. This is called death and is often explained as being “a part of life”. This is hard to grasp as we view death as the end of life. In fact, death is the conclusion of one’s time on the earth. Afterward, all that remains behind is the shell of the body, memories and the various memorials for that person and perhaps whatever influence that person had. Even this influence wanes with time, as do certain memories. The passing on of a loved one is a hard time, as we tend to focus on our own loss. Each processes the death of a loved one in a different way.
The Words “and he died” are found ten times in the book of Genesis alone and twenty two times in the entirety of the Scriptures. Even if we had not “witnessed” the death of a loved one, or knew of someone who’s time on earth had come to an end, these verses are sufficient evidence that our sojourn here is limited at best. Should we not all contemplate the fact that we are also to eventually be passing on? But as we do so, we must be realistic, understanding that this life is not all there is.
The idea of reincarnation is contrary to passing on because it describes a transmigration, or the continuation of the essence of life into newborn baby or an animal to continue its immortality. The term transmigration is a way to describe the soul passing from one body to another after death. If this is so, then, death is not the cessation of physical life, but simply a “phase of life”. We know from Psa. 78:39 that this is a false doctrine. For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. When we “pass on” we are not going to return to this earth. Additionally, we are told in Eccl. 9:6b that those that had passed on - neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
Because we know that our time on earth is limited and that ultimately all have an “appointment” with death, we all have work to do while we are living. Again, as we turn to the Words of God given to the “wise man”, we see in Eccl. 9:10 that we have only our earthly life in which we might do something before we “pass on”. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. So, what are we to do? For what are we to prepare? We MUST prepare for the afterlife.
This is never so evident as is indicated in Heb. 11:13-14. These verses speak of those who once walked the earth, having full assurance of the Promises of God, and looked for that “better place” in which to spend eternity. They knew they were “strangers and sojourners (pilgrims)”, only abiding on earth for a brief period in which to prepare themselves so they could spend eternity in the presence of God. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Perhaps we need to be better educated about those who have passed on. One place we learn of this is 1Thess. 4:13-17. We need not be ignorant, as we have information regarding the “passing on” of all the obedient and faithful of the N.T. age. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. In the final verse of this chapter, the brethren there were told to “comfort one another with these words.” Comforting words indeed.
There definitely needs to be more education about the preparation that is needed during the “here and now” so more can be ready for passing on. This is what God’s Word provides. Before Christ died to purchase the church, in Matt. 6:33, He told His followers: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”. In Acts 8:12, after the establishment of the church, notice what happened in Samaria. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
These folks, and all others who obey the gospel, per 2Cor. 5:17, are “in Christ” and have the chance to prepare for “passing on”. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Why not start making preparation now for the inevitable? We all will be “passing on” at some point. The beauty of this is that we get to choose where we pass to. Obey the gospel while you can and remain faithful according to God’s Word until you pass on. That will make passing on a real joy!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
