Funeral Sermon: THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE A REST THAT REMAINS

FUNERAL SERMON: THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE A REST THAT REMAINS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Hebrews 4:9-11 (KJV)
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

INTRODUCTION:
Death often brings with it a deep sense of pain and separation. It feels like a door that shuts suddenly, leaving behind silence, sorrow, and unanswered questions. Yet for the righteous, death is not an end—it is a transition into a place of eternal rest promised by God.

Heaven is not a myth, neither is it a fairytale. It is a reality prepared for those who believe in Jesus Christ. The scriptures assure us that beyond the suffering and labour of this life, there remains a rest for the people of God.

As we reflect on the life of our departed loved one, we are reminded that they have entered into that rest. Their labours have ceased, their battles are over, and their reward has begun. What awaits them—and us, if we remain in Christ—is glorious beyond imagination.

1. THERE IS A DIVINE REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
The believer’s journey on earth ends in rest, not ruin.

a) This rest is promised and preserved by God Himself. From the beginning of time, God ordained a place of rest for His children—a destination where sorrow, pain, and struggles are no more (Revelation 14:13).

b) Rest signifies completion of earthly assignments. Just as God rested after creation, the righteous rest after fulfilling divine purpose on earth (Genesis 2:2).

c) The rest is not sleep—it is eternal peace and joy. Heaven is full of activity, worship, and communion with God, yet free of burdens and anxieties (Isaiah 57:2).

d) This rest is only for those who walk in faith and obedience. Unbelief shuts people out, but faith opens the door to rest (Hebrews 4:6).

Biblical Example: Lazarus, who suffered on earth but was carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom, where he rested in eternal comfort (Luke 16:22-25).

The end of a believer’s journey is not death but divine rest in glory.

2. DEATH IS GAIN FOR THOSE IN CHRIST
To die in Christ is to gain everything worth living for.

a) The believer loses nothing in death—only gains. What is left behind is temporary, what is gained is eternal and imperishable (Philippians 1:21).

b) Death releases the righteous from earthly limitations. No more pain, sickness, stress, or ageing; only perfect peace in God’s presence (2 Corinthians 5:1-4).

c) They enter into their eternal inheritance. The treasures stored up through a life of faith and service are now fully received (1 Peter 1:4).

d) Death is not a tragedy for the righteous—it is a transition to glory. It is a graduation into a higher life with God, forever (Psalm 116:15).

Biblical Example: The thief on the cross, in his final breath, believed and immediately gained paradise with Jesus (Luke 23:42-43).

When the righteous die, they gain more than they ever could have had on earth.

3. THE LEGACY OF THE RIGHTEOUS SPEAKS EVEN AFTER DEATH
A godly life never ends in silence—it echoes through generations.

a) Their good works follow them. Heaven records every act of love, service, and sacrifice done in the name of Christ (Revelation 14:13).

b) They leave behind a testimony that preaches louder than words. The way they lived becomes a pattern for others to follow (Hebrews 11:4).

c) Their impact on others never dies. Through their prayers, teachings, kindness, and godly example, their influence remains (Proverbs 13:22).

d) The memory of the righteous is a lasting blessing. Their names are honoured not because of fame, but because of faith (Proverbs 10:7).

Biblical Example: Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice to God, and though he died, his faith still speaks (Hebrews 11:4).

Their life is a seed planted in time, but their legacy is a tree that grows into eternity.

4. GOD IS OUR COMFORT IN THE FACE OF LOSS
In our darkest hour, God shines the brightest.

a) The Lord draws near to the broken-hearted. He does not watch from afar—He embraces us in our pain (Psalm 34:18).

b) The Holy Spirit is the Comforter who ministers to us. He gives strength when ours is gone and peace that surpasses human understanding (John 14:16-18).

c) Jesus wept—He understands our sorrow. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, including our grief (John 11:35; Hebrews 4:15).

d) God gives us hope beyond the grave. In the place of despair, He gives us the promise of reunion and eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Biblical Example: Hannah grieved over loss and barrenness, but God remembered her and turned her mourning into joy (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

When human words fail, God speaks peace into our souls.

5. PREPARE TO ENTER INTO THAT REST ALSO
The best way to honour the dead is to live prepared to meet the Lord.

a) Life is uncertain, but eternity is sure. We must live with heaven in view because no one knows the hour of their call (Hebrews 9:27).

b) Salvation is the only key to eternal rest. Being religious is not enough—only those who are born again can enter heaven (John 3:3).

c) Let us not delay in turning to the Lord. Now is the acceptable time for repentance and faith (2 Corinthians 6:2).

d) The life we live today determines where we spend eternity. The righteous are called into rest; the unrighteous into judgement (Matthew 25:31-34).

Biblical Example: The five wise virgins who kept their lamps burning were welcomed into the bridegroom’s presence, but the foolish were shut out (Matthew 25:1-13).

Every funeral is a reminder to live ready—for our turn will also come.

CONCLUSION:
As we mourn our beloved today, let us not forget the greater reality: that in Christ, death is swallowed up in victory. The righteous do not die—they sleep in the Lord and awaken in glory. Their works live on, and their eternity has begun.

We must now pick up the torch they have laid down and walk faithfully until our own rest comes. May the Lord help us to live prepared and finish strong.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, thank You for the eternal rest prepared for Your children.

2. Father, comfort every heart that mourns today with Your peace.

3. Help us to live our lives in preparation for eternity.

4. Let the legacy of our loved one inspire us to follow Christ more faithfully.

5. Grant salvation to any unsaved hearts among us today.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You shall not be broken beyond recovery in this season of loss.

2. The peace of God will saturate your heart and home.

3. The legacy of your loved one will speak loudly through your life.

4. You shall live fulfilled and finish well in Jesus’ name.

5. The God of all comfort shall restore your joy and give you rest.