What exactly does R. I. P. mean to you? Most would reply “Rest In Peace.” But does that even exist? Let me explain what I mean.

One of the hardest things to face in life is a loved one dying. My grandparents, my dad, and very recently (May 18, 2019) my oldest brother have moved on from this world. Of these loved ones, I can only speak with certainty concerning three; my dad and brother were saved, but my maternal grandmother was not.

When Christians die their soul is immediately with the Lord in Heaven, but when unsaved people die, they are in torment in Hell. The bodies left on this earth are nothing more than decaying shells. From my point of view, there is no “resting in peace” for both the saved and the unsaved because the saved are with the Lord and rejoicing with all those who have gone before them, while the unsaved are awaiting judgment because they passed up the opportunity to be saved when they had the chance.

Those who do not believe John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Or John 3:16, 17 “For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” cannot rest in peace even if that was possible.

Resting in peace will be (for myself while I still live on this earth) knowing my saved loved ones are spending eternity in Heaven where I will one day reunite with them.

From this day forward I am declaring for myself that R. I. P. will mean “Rejoicing In Paradise.” Dad, Kurt, I can’t wait until I get to Rejoice In Paradise with you!

By, Kathy Beardsley

For more on this topic:
Rest in Peace? by Ligonier Ministries

Is it biblical to say ‘rest in peace’ (RIP) in regards to someone who has died? by Got Questions?