Homegoing

This week, the funeral services for songstress Whitney Houston were held in Newark, NJ. News outlets such as CNN buzzed with the novel term “homegoing.” For those outside of the Baptist tradition, this might seem like quaint, even exotic nomenclature for a funeral service, but it’s quite appropriate for those who are in the faith.

The Christian perspective on death can be quite different from those who are unbelievers. We don’t think of death as an ending, but a continuation. When our bodies expire, our souls continue onto the next phase—everlasting life with Jesus Christ, our Lord. Therefore, death may not be as grievous a proposition as it is for others.

This hope of life after death allows us to, in many instances, celebrate the passing of a loved one from this life to the next. Once we recover from the shock and sadness of losing someone special from this earthly dwelling, we can begin to rejoice in knowing that person is present with the Lord. The “homegoing” can even be seen as an acknowledgement of a life well lived on earth that culminates in the greatest reward.

A person of faith, who believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior from the penalty of sin, can truly rest in peace when this life has ended. And so can their family and friends. Whitney Houston’s homegoing service demonstrated the comforting power of the Holy Spirit for those who believe. As 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

We can pass from this life at any moment. When the time comes, do you know for sure where you’re going? If you have any doubts, it’s time to know about Jesus, and the saving power of His love.