Some Thoughts On Death

Though the kingdom of God has been inaugurated in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the kingdom has not yet come in all its fullness. Consequently, life in this period of “already” and “not yet” is complex and multifaceted. Though we rejoice in Christ’s victory, we continue to experience tragedy and death. While we mourn the loss of friends and loved ones, we know that, because Christ has defeated death, our sorrow will one day turn to joy.

If then our future bodies are to retain the human form, to be easily distinguished by those who knew and loved us on earth; if they are to be endued with an unknown power; if they are to be incorruptible, immortal, and spiritual; if we are to bear the image of the heavenly, we may well bow down with humble and joyful hearts and receive the exhortation of the Apostle: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” —Charles Hodge

1 Corinthians 15:20–26
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.