Funerals are a time for reflection and hope. They remind us of the fragility of life and the promise of eternity. Revelation 21:1-7 offers powerful truths for such moments. This passage speaks of renewal, comfort, and the end of suffering. It assures believers of God’s faithfulness and the hope of heaven.
Funeral sermons based on this text can bring peace to grieving hearts. They point to God’s ultimate plan for His people. This article will explore ten themes from Revelation 21:1-7. Each sermon idea is crafted to provide comfort, hope, and biblical insight during times of loss.
10 Funeral Sermons Based On Revelation 21:1-7
#1. A New Beginning
Theme
This sermon focuses on the promise of a fresh start in the presence of God.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:1-2, 5
Key Verse
“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
Message
In Revelation 21:1-2, God promises a new heaven and a new earth, signaling the end of the old order of things and the start of something better. Death is not the final word; it is the beginning of a new, perfect creation where all things will be made new.
Sample Sermon
Revelation 21:1-2 speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, where the old world with its suffering and pain has passed away. This is the hope for every Christian. The passage speaks of God’s ultimate promise that death, sorrow, and sin will not have the last word. Instead, God will bring about a new creation where everything is restored and made whole.
In the midst of grief, we need to understand that death is not the end but a transition into something far better. For believers, death is not a permanent separation, but a passage to something that God has promised: a place where there is no mourning, no pain, and no death. God Himself will make all things new, and that includes us. The old, broken world is gone, and the new creation is on its way.
This truth is the foundation of our hope. We do not grieve as those without hope, because we know that the loved one we are mourning is now experiencing that new beginning. They are with God in a place where suffering has ended. They are part of the new creation that God is bringing. In the fullness of time, all believers will experience that same renewal, where God will wipe away every tear, and everything that was broken will be restored.
As we gather to remember our loved one, let’s remember that this is not goodbye forever. It’s goodbye for now. The day is coming when all things will be made new, when God will create a perfect world free from pain and death. And in that day, we will be with our loved ones again, sharing in the eternal joy of God’s new creation. This is our hope, and this is the promise we cling to as we face loss.
#2. God’s Presence in Our Sorrow
Theme
This sermon emphasizes God’s near presence during times of sorrow.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:3, Psalm 34:18
Key Verse
“I will dwell with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)
Message
Revelation 21:3 promises that God will dwell with His people. In moments of sorrow, we can rest in the assurance that God is near, offering comfort and strength in our pain.
Sample Sermon
Revelation 21:3 gives us a powerful promise: “I will dwell with them and be their God.” In times of grief, it can feel as though God is distant, but this verse assures us that God is always near to His people, especially in their moments of sorrow. The God who created the universe, who holds all things together, also desires to dwell with us, especially when we are broken and hurting.
Psalm 34:18 beautifully echoes this promise: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This is not a distant God, but one who comes close to us in our pain. When we grieve, He is near, offering His comfort and His peace. God doesn’t simply watch from afar; He enters into our pain, feeling it with us, and providing the strength we need to endure.
The presence of God in our sorrow is not just a comforting idea, but a reality. In our grief, we can be assured that we are not alone. The Lord is with us, walking beside us, and providing His peace that surpasses understanding. When we feel overwhelmed by loss, God promises that He will be our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in trouble.
Our loved ones, now in God’s presence, are experiencing the fullness of His nearness. They are in a place where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, and where God’s presence is fully known. We, too, will one day experience that perfect closeness, where we will be with God forever, free from the pain of this world. Until that day comes, let’s take comfort in the truth that God is with us in our sorrow, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.
#3. The End of Pain and Suffering
Theme
This sermon highlights the promise that pain and suffering will end in God’s kingdom.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:4, Isaiah 25:8
Key Verse
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.” (Revelation 21:4)
Message
God promises in Revelation 21:4 that there will be an end to pain, sorrow, and death. This is the hope we have in Christ—that suffering will be no more and we will be restored to perfect peace in His presence.
Sample Sermon
Revelation 21:4 offers a profound promise to all who mourn: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.” This verse speaks of a future where pain, suffering, and death have been completely eradicated. It is a promise that sustains us in the darkest moments of our lives. The sorrow and heartache we feel today will not last forever.
In this life, pain is a reality. We experience loss, illness, heartache, and many other forms of suffering. But the hope of the gospel is that this suffering is temporary. One day, God will bring an end to all of it. He will wipe away every tear, and death will be no more. This is the assurance we cling to in our grief—that the pain we experience in this world will one day be replaced with the perfect peace of God’s presence.
Isaiah 25:8 echoes this truth, stating that God “will swallow up death forever.” In the new heaven and new earth, there will be no more mourning, no more tears, no more sorrow. The old order of things will pass away, and everything will be made new. For now, we grieve, but we do so with the confidence that our mourning is not forever. A day is coming when pain will cease, and we will be in a place where God’s peace reigns.
Our loved ones, now in the presence of God, are experiencing that peace. They are free from all pain, suffering, and death. And one day, we will join them in that place, where there will be no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more death. Until then, we hold on to the promise that God will wipe away every tear, and suffering will be no more.
#4. Victory Over Death
Theme
This sermon emphasizes that through Christ, death has been defeated.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:4, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Key Verse
“Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54)
Message
Through Christ, death has been defeated. Revelation 21:4 promises that death will be no more, and 1 Corinthians 15:54 reminds us that death has been swallowed up in victory through Jesus Christ.
Sample Sermon
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 offers us one of the greatest victories in human history: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” These words remind us that through Jesus Christ, death has lost its sting. In the cross and resurrection of Jesus, death was defeated once and for all. For those who trust in Him, death is no longer the final enemy. It is simply the gateway to eternal life with God.
Revelation 21:4 adds to this promise, stating that “death shall be no more.” When we face the loss of a loved one, it often feels as though death has won. But we know that, in reality, death does not have the final say. Through Jesus Christ, death has been defeated. Our loved ones who have passed are not defeated by death; they are now alive with Christ in a place where death is no more.
For those of us who remain, this truth brings hope. We do not face death in fear, but in confidence. Death may take our loved ones from us temporarily, but it cannot separate them from God’s love. Jesus’ victory over death assures us that we will one day be reunited with them in His presence, where death will no longer exist. Until then, we hold fast to the victory Christ has won, knowing that death is not the end, but a transition into eternal life with God.
#5. God’s Promises Are True
Theme
This sermon underscores that God’s promises are always fulfilled.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:5, 2 Corinthians 1:20
Key Verse
“These words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)
Message
Revelation 21:5 affirms that God’s promises are trustworthy and true. In a world full of uncertainty, we can rely on God’s Word. His promises never fail, and He will fulfill them, no matter what.
Sample Sermon
In Revelation 21:5, God declares, “These words are trustworthy and true.” This statement is not just an affirmation of God’s character but also a reminder to us that every promise He has made will come to pass. In a world full of broken promises and unmet expectations, God’s Word stands firm. What He has said will happen, and we can rest in the assurance that He will fulfill every promise He has made to us.
2 Corinthians 1:20 reminds us that “all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” This means that in Christ, every promise is fulfilled. The promise of eternal life, the promise of comfort in sorrow, the promise of a new heaven and new earth—they are all true because they are sealed in Christ. We can trust in God’s promises because His faithfulness is without end.
As we mourn the loss of our loved ones, we are reminded that God’s promises remain true. He has promised to be with us in our sorrow, to wipe away every tear, and to bring us into His eternal presence. These promises are not just empty words—they are certain and reliable. And as we cling to them, we can find hope and peace, knowing that God will fulfill everything He has said He will do.
#6. The Inheritance of the Saints
Theme
This sermon highlights the eternal inheritance believers receive through Christ.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:7, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Key Verse
“The one who conquers will have this heritage.” (Revelation 21:7)
Message
In Revelation 21:7, God promises that those who conquer will inherit all things. This inheritance is not something earned through works, but freely given to believers in Christ. It is eternal and guaranteed.
Sample Sermon
Revelation 21:7 offers a promise to every believer: “The one who conquers will have this heritage.” What is this heritage? It is the eternal inheritance that God has prepared for His people. It is a promise of eternal life, of being in God’s presence forever, and of receiving all the blessings of His kingdom. This inheritance is not based on our efforts but on the victory of Christ. Through Him, we become heirs of God’s promises.
1 Peter 1:3-4 further explains the nature of this inheritance. It is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” This inheritance is beyond anything this world can offer. It is secure and eternal. The pain and loss we experience in this life will give way to an eternal inheritance that can never be taken away.
When we mourn, we do not mourn without hope. Our loved ones who have passed are now in the presence of God, receiving their inheritance. They are experiencing the fullness of this promise. And for us who remain, we are assured that one day, we too will inherit all things, living forever in God’s presence. This is the inheritance of the saints, and it is guaranteed by the victory of Jesus Christ.
#7. A Place Prepared for Us
Theme
This sermon emphasizes that God has prepared a place for His people.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:2, John 14:2-3
Key Verse
“I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
Message
Jesus has prepared a place for us, as stated in John 14:2-3. This is a promise that believers can hold on to with confidence. The place God has prepared is a place of peace, comfort, and eternal joy.
Sample Sermon
In John 14:2-3, Jesus comforts His disciples by saying, “I go to prepare a place for you.” This promise extends not only to the disciples but to all believers. Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house, a place where there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more death.
Revelation 21:2 speaks of the New Jerusalem coming down from God, adorned as a bride for her husband. This is the place that God has prepared for His people—a place of perfect peace, joy, and rest. For those who have passed into eternity, this is the reality they now experience. They are in the place God prepared for them, where there is no more suffering, and they are fully in the presence of God.
As we grieve, we can take comfort in the knowledge that our loved ones are in that prepared place. They are experiencing the joy and peace of being in the presence of God. And for us who remain, we know that one day, we will also be with them in that place, where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain. This place is not just a future hope; it is a present reality for all who believe in Christ.
#8. Hope for the Brokenhearted
Theme
This sermon brings comfort to those who mourn, reminding them of the hope we have in Christ.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:4, Matthew 5:4
Key Verse
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Message
In Revelation 21:4, God promises to wipe away every tear. This is the hope for the brokenhearted—comfort and healing are coming. Through Christ, those who mourn will be comforted.
Sample Sermon
In the midst of loss, we often feel as though we are crushed under the weight of sorrow. It feels as if the grief will never end, and the pain will never subside. But in Matthew 5:4, Jesus promises, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” This is not just a future hope; it is a present comfort. Even now, in our mourning, God offers us His comfort.
Revelation 21:4 gives us the promise that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.” This is the hope that sustains us. While we mourn, we know that God sees our tears, and He will comfort us. The sorrow we feel today will not last forever. One day, God will bring an end to all mourning and wipe away every tear.
As we remember our loved ones who have passed, let us take comfort in the truth that they are now in the presence of God, where there is no more sorrow. And as we remain behind, let us lean on the promise that God will comfort us in our mourning. The day is coming when all pain will cease, and we will be with our loved ones in a place of eternal joy and peace.
#9. The Faithful Will Be Rewarded
Theme
This sermon assures us that God rewards those who remain faithful to Him.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:7, Hebrews 11:6
Key Verse
“The one who conquers will have this heritage.” (Revelation 21:7)
Message
God promises to reward those who remain faithful to Him. Revelation 21:7 speaks of the inheritance awaiting the faithful, and Hebrews 11:6 assures us that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Sample Sermon
In Revelation 21:7, God promises a reward for those who “conquer” in this life—those who remain faithful to Him, despite the trials and struggles they face. This promise is a reminder that our faithfulness to God is not in vain. He sees our efforts, He knows our struggles, and He will reward us in His perfect time.
Hebrews 11:6 adds another layer of encouragement: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Our faith, even in the face of difficulty, is not unnoticed. God rewards those who seek Him, those who trust in His promises, and those who persevere in their faith.
When we face loss, it can feel as though the faithful are not rewarded in this life. But the truth is that God’s rewards are eternal. Our loved ones, now with Him, are experiencing the fullness of that reward. And for us who remain, we are assured that one day, we too will receive the reward that God has promised to all who faithfully follow Him.
#10. God’s New Creation: A Glimpse of Heaven
Theme
This sermon provides a vision of the new creation, where God will make all things new.
Scripture References
Revelation 21:1-2, Isaiah 65:17
Key Verse
“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
Message
God promises a new creation, where all things will be made new. Revelation 21:1-2 gives us a glimpse of heaven, where God will wipe away every tear and make everything new. This is the hope for the believer: a restored world free from pain, suffering, and death.
Sample Sermon
In Revelation 21:1-2, John describes a new heaven and a new earth, a place where the old order of things has passed away, and everything is made new. This is the ultimate hope for believers. It is a vision of what awaits us—an eternal home where God’s glory shines, and where there is no more sorrow, pain, or death.
Isaiah 65:17 also speaks of this new creation, where God says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” This new creation is beyond our imagination. It is a place where everything is made right, where God’s perfect will is fully realized, and where His people will dwell in His presence forever.
As we reflect on the passing of our loved ones, we can take comfort in the fact that they are now part of that new creation. They are in a place where there is no more pain or sorrow. And for us who remain, we hold on to the promise that one day, we will experience that new creation as well. A day is coming when God will make all things new, and we will dwell with Him forever in a world where death and suffering are no more. This is the hope that sustains us as we await that glorious day.
Closing Thoughts
As we reflect on these promises from Revelation 21:1-7, we are reminded of the hope that believers have in Christ. Even in the midst of loss and sorrow, we can take comfort in the truth that God has prepared a place for us, and He will wipe away every tear.
The pain and suffering we experience in this life will give way to an eternal inheritance, where God’s promises are fully realized. Let us hold fast to these truths, finding peace in the assurance that God’s love, faithfulness, and eternal hope will never fail.