A Funeral Wake-Up Call
Last week, I attended my first funeral in Wales, and despite being warned of what to expect, I walked out of the chapel feeling utterly devastated. The experience left me with a heaviness I hadn't anticipated.
I understand that funerals are occasions of sadness and mourning, and for that reason, I typically avoid them as much as possible. But this one affected me differently than I expected. What saddened me most? Was it the crowd of people waiting outside the chapel, not because there wasn't room but rather because they refused to step foot inside the actual building? Or was it the minister who presented the message that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God; therefore, we can rejoice that we will all be reunited in Heaven?
No wonder it's so difficult to reach these people with the gospel! Why would they need to have a relationship with Jesus if we're all going to Heaven anyway? Why should they change their ways, repent of their sins, or live for anything beyond themselves if Heaven is the ending place for everyone?
Oh, how I wanted to jump out of my seat and set the record straight! But of course, a funeral isn't the time for theological debate.
The truth is, while God's love is indeed universal, salvation requires our response. Romans 5:8 reminds us, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." His love is evident in the sacrifice, but receiving the gift requires action on our part.
It's like receiving a beautifully wrapped present. The giver may extend it with love, but until we reach out and accept it, it remains unclaimed. Salvation works similarly. God extends it freely, but we must accept it personally.
Jesus Himself made this clear when He said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." There's no ambiguity there, just a straightforward statement about the exclusive path to Heaven.
Sometimes, I think we focus so much on God's love (which is certainly magnificent) that we forget about His justice and holiness. The Bible clearly teaches in Romans 6:23 that "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." There's a distinction between those who accept the gift and those who don't.
As I walked away from that funeral service, I felt a renewed urgency for our mission here in Wales. These beautiful people need to hear the complete gospel, not just the comforting parts about God's love, but the transformative truth that this love demands a response.
Perhaps that's why Paul asked in Romans 10:14, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?" The message matters, and getting it right matters even more.
So, while I left that funeral with a heavy heart, I also left with strengthened resolve. The gospel isn't about universal salvation regardless of belief. It's about a loving God who made a way for us to choose Him. And that message is too important to leave untold.