The Bible and Funerals: Living with Eternity in View

Article by Jeremiah Riner

I've went to and officiated a fair share of funerals in my time. They seem to become more frequent and more impactful as the years go by. Funerals have a way of forcing us to face realities we often avoid—death, judgment, and what lies beyond this life. The writer of Hebrews said in the 9th chapter, 27 "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." This is God-sent reminder that death is not the end but a doorway to eternity. While our culture chases after what is temporary, The Lord calls us to live with eternity in clear focus.

Death Is Coming

The Bible says, “It is appointed for man to die once…” (Hebrews 9:27). Death is not a possibility—it’s a divine appointment. You can’t cancel it, postpone it, or negotiate it. Sin brought death into the world, and the wages of sin remain the same (Romans 6:23). Psalm 90:12 urges us to "number our days" so that we live with wisdom. Yet so many spend more time preparing for vacations than for eternity. Life is short—James calls it a “vapor”—and wise hearts prepare for what’s ahead.

Judgment Is Coming

After death comes judgment. One day, every person will stand before God—not to compare their “goodness” to others, but to answer the only question that matters: Have you trusted Jesus Christ as the One who bore God’s wrath for your sins? For believers, the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10) will be a place of reward. For unbelievers, the great white throne (Revelation 20:11–15) will bring eternal separation from God. The stakes could not be higher.

Christ Is Coming

For those in Christ, death is not the end—it’s the beginning. Hebrews 9:28 points us to a Savior who came once to bear sin and who will come again to bring glorification to those who are waiting for Him. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 that Jesus will return with power, raising the dead and calling His people home. That truth should fill us with anticipation, not fear.

A Final Word

The Bible gives us a sobering and hopeful picture:

• Death is certain.

• Judgment is coming.

• Christ is returning.

My counsel to you is to not wait for a funeral to think about forever. The most important appointment of your life is already on the calendar—and I pray you've trusted Jesus and Jesus alone as your Savior to be prepared for that day.

Jeremiah Riner is the pastor of Calvary Bible Church in Duffield, VA. He and is lovely wife, Morgan are the proud parents of 2 young children and currently reside in Mount Carmel, TN.