Gains and Losses
By Jesse LeMay
When it comes to finances, companies and individuals alike
concern themselves with gains and losses. Naturally, the desire is to have more
gains at the end than losses. When it comes to the passing of a loved one and
our own inevitable transition, it is understandable how we can sometimes dwell
on the loss and forget about the gain. Without question, a loss is present when
someone we love goes to be with God. A common thought is that it is our loss,
but heaven’s gain. While that is true, there is also incomparable gain received
by the one who has passed. In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he
writes about the wonderful gains of the Christian who has fallen asleep.
There
is the gain of SALVATION – because of God’s eternal choice (2:13). He who holds
time in His hand and is not bound by time, has eternally chosen the Christian for
this salvation. This comes by God’s Spirit sanctifying us because of our faith
in the truth.
There
is the gain of the outcome of our GOOD HOPE (2:16). That confident expectation
we live our lives with as Christians will be fulfilled.
There
is the gain of ETERNAL COMFORT (2:16). Such comfort from God can apply to both
while we are in the realm of time and of course when we leave for eternity. At
a time of loss, the gain of God’s eternal comfort is what is needed most.
There
is the gain of the GLORY of our Lord Jesus Christ (2:14). This is perhaps the
most magnificent gain of all! We get to see the amazing glory of God. This
comes from being called through the gospel.
When either we or a loved one passes there will always be a great
loss felt. At the same time, there is also tremendous gain on behalf of the one
who passes. We can take solace in knowing the gain which our loved ones have
received, and which also awaits all of us who “stand firm and hold” to God’s
word. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved
us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen
your hearts in every good work and word.”
