"Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in The Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says The Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.' " Revelation 14:13 (NIV)
These are the divinely inspired words from The Holy Spirit of God as revealed to, and recorded by, the Apostle John which was written to all believers. He was told to write that believers who die from that point in time forward, would be blessed. They will make the transition from earthly labor, to rest and heavenly reward. Their works will follow them as a testimony and evidence that they lived a Christ-like life, and were obedient to The Word of God.
For the believer, death is not the end of life, it is the beginning of eternal life. The death of a believer is precious in the sight of The Lord. (Psalms 116:15) The battle with sin, temptation, sorrow, persecution, illnesses, trials, and tribulations is finished. (2 Timothy 4:6-8) The death of the physical body just liberates the spiritual soul, which then returns to The Lord God to whom it belongs. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) The dead in Christ shall rise and meet The Lord first. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) On judgement day, the rewards and crowns which we receive will depend upon the works that we did to give God glory. (Psalms 62:12, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 25:21-22, Jeremiah 17:10, Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 10:41, Ephesians 6:8, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 2:10, and Revelation 22:12) Believers are blessed during this life, and will be blessed throughout eternity. Loved ones who die are not lost, we know where they are, they are in heaven with The Lord.
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