Torch, Winter 2012

the English word “cemetery” is derived. Put simply, a cemetery is a place for sleepers, and one day those bodies will awake. The Lord Himself said that all who were in the graves will hear His voice and come forth. We rest in the truth that our loved ones whom we have already lost from this world are with Christ. When the Lord comes, God the Father will bring those who sleep to be with Him. It is hard for us to imagine that in death you and I are ushered into the presence of the Lord. The body is in the ground, but the real “you” is with Him. We would rather be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). To be finally, wonderfully at home — this is why Paul could write, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Comfort in Hope The inevitable promise of Christ’s return does not negate the truth that God created us as emotional beings. We can and should mourn when a loved one or dear friend is gone, but our grief is bolstered by hope that one day we will together embrace Christ and be with Him forever. Paul concludes 1 Thessalonians 4 with a directive and an outpouring of our hope: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). Rather than offering only future promises, Paul encourages us with truth that provides assurance right now. We have a responsibility to share with others these clear, simple words of Scripture. Dr. Robert Gromacki is a distinguished professor emeritus of Bible and Greek. He received his Th.D. from Grace Theological Seminary, Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and Th.B. at Baptist Bible Seminary. He has also completed postdoctoral study at the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem. He has been at Cedarville since 1960. Chartered in 1887, Cedarville was a dreamwaiting to become a reality. WhenWilliam Gibson passed away in 1892, he left two percent of his estate for the new college. That bequest allowed Cedarville to build Founders Hall and open its doors to students. Now 125 years later, your bequest will provide Christ-centered education for generations to come. Let the gift planning office help you discover how to leave your legacy! 1-800-766-1115 cedarville.edu/giftlegacy Your Bequest, Your Legacy Winter 2012 | TORCH 27