Expository Thoughts
death and a state of reward. In the day that he breathes his last he goes to Paradise. In the hour that he departs he is with Christ. (Phil
1:23.)
Let us remember these things, when our believing friends fall asleep in Christ. We must not sorrow for them as those who have no hope. While we are sorrowing they are rejoicing. While we are putting on our mourning, and weeping at their funerals, they are safe and happy with their Lord. Above all, let us remember these things, if we are true Christians, in looking forward to our own deaths. To die is a solemn thing. But if we die in the Lord, we need not doubt that our death will be gain.
Notes on 23:39-43
42. "Jesus, remember me." The remarks of Ness on this wonderful prayer are worth reading: This short prayer contained a very large and long creed, the articles whereof are these.
1. He believed that the soul died not with the body of man.
2. That there is a world to come for rewarding the pious and penitent, and for punishing the impious and impenitent.
3. That Christ though now under crucifying and killing tortures, yet had a right to a kingdom.
4. That this kingdom was in a better world than the present evil world.
5. That Christ would not keep this kingdom all to himself.
6. That he would bestow a part and portion thereof on those that be