I Declare That Death Is Not the Final Word
Full Text
I declare that death is not the final word. I am near the end of my life, and I declare that what lies ahead is not darkness but light — not ending but beginning. I declare that the God who raised Jesus from the dead has prepared a place for me, and that the life I am moving toward is more real and more full than the life I am leaving behind. I declare that I am not afraid of what I cannot see, because I trust the One who has already seen it. I declare that the people I love will be held by the same God who is holding me. I declare that my death is not a defeat — it is a homecoming. And I declare that the love of God, which has followed me all the days of my life, will be waiting for me on the other side.
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 15:54–55
"When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'"
John 11:25–26
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.'"
Source & Usage
- Tradition
- Interdenominational
- Source
- Original
- Usage Notes
- For personal declaration in the final stage of life, or for a chaplain, pastor, or family member to speak with someone who is dying. Also suitable for palliative care and hospice settings.
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