GOD HAS PREACHED YOUR FUNERAL

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:3-4).

The Greek word for bless is “Eulogeo” and one of its meanings is to eulogize. A eulogy is a “speech or piece of writing that praises somebody or something very highly, especially a tribute to somebody who has recently died.” Paul, who wrote Ephesians and much of the New Testament, eventually finished the race set before him. Let’s listen in to his eulogy:

“We are here to honor our Brother Paul today, who, had he not answered the call of God on his life, many of you would not be here today. This man did many wonderful works: In the Name of Jesus he raised the dead, healed the sick, cast out devils and fed the poor. Through the ever growing love of God in his life, he won countless souls to the kingdom of God. He suffered much for the cause of Christ, yet none of these things ever moved him from his steadfastness of purpose. By the grace of God, he has left us many letters written straight from the Father’s heart to be a lamp to guide us. As you well know, many Churches are here today that stands as a testament to this man, and testify of him: He obeyed God.”

The amazing thing I want you to see is this eulogy was spoken from eternity, before the apostle had ever done one thing: “…who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world…”

God, who declares the end from the beginning, has blessed us in Christ before time ever began. Clearly the scriptures teach that we died with Christ at the cross and spiritually speaking this happened from eternity: “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8”). Therefore, our Heavenly Father "eulogized" all believers “in Christ” before the world was ever formed. This is why Paul could say in Galatians 1:15 that he had been separated from his mother's womb and called by grace even though he had previously been the greatest persecutor of Christ. God had blessed him by "turning him away from his iniquities" and called him with a "holy calling" according to the grace and purpose of Christ "before the foundation of the world."

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10).

Likewise, God preached your funeral before time began and spoke of your end: “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11). I don’t have time here to repeat all of what was said about you, but I will give you the closing words:

“Not one good thing of all that I promised this beloved child of mine failed: All came to pass. As I was with Abraham, Moses, Paul, and even my Son Jesus, so I was with….”

You!