True healing is not always what it seems

One week ago today my own mother passed away.  At 87 years, she died in her sleep in the dementia unit of the nursing home. A nurse working there commented, “In my 36 years of nursing I have not seen anyone die more peacefully.”  As a believer, she had trusted Christ for salvation over 40 years ago, just before my own conversion. The sting of death had been removed, and she finally got to go home to be with her Savior.

We mourned as a family this past week, but not like those who have no hope. The cross of Christ is not just a story written for our comfort in times of distress. Christ Jesus actually did conquer death by His own sacrifice on the cross. As paradoxical as it may seem, death was defeated not by a display of worldly power and show, but in the meekness of hands stretched out to receive the nails, and an empty tomb.

Indeed, Christ gained my Mom’s salvation through Calvary.  “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Ti 1:15). Her salvation depends on Christ, not on herself. That’s why we have the confidence that she went to be with Christ in death.  When Jesus saves sinners there is no partial salvation; He saves all the way from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, and finally from the presence of sin. What a Savior!

So while we mourn for the loss, we also rejoice in hope of the resurrection. A good reminder for Easter week!