PRECIOUS: The Death of God’s Saints
(Ps. 116:15)

Introduction
1. Ps. 116:15 In death as in life, God's people are precious to Him
2. Ps. 116 David thanks God for deliverance
a. Vv. 1-4 David's great distress
b. Vv. 5-11 God's great mercy
c. Vv. 12-19 David's great gratitude
2. Ignored & despised by the world, God's people are always precious to Him in death as in life.
a. Because He purchased them
b. Because they accept His pardon
c. Because they worship Him
d. Because they live for Him
e. Because they are faithful to the end

I. Because He Purchased Them
A. Christ's Death: Focal Point of God's Plan
1. Rom. 3:23-26 By the death of Christ, God proves Himself to be just (sin is punished)
& the justifier (sin is forgiven)
2. Heb. 9:15 Christ’s death brought forgiveness to people under both covenants
B. Church of Christ: Bought with His Blood
1. Acts 20:28 Precious because purchased with the blood of Christ

II. Because They Accept His Pardon
A. God's Pardon Based on Great Love & Sacrifice
1. 1 Jn. 4:9-10 God's gift beyond measure
B. Pardon Not Automatic: Must Accept or Reject It
1. United States v. Wilson, 1833, George Wilson refused pardon of Pres. Andrew Jackson & was executed:
“A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance.”
“The court cannot give the prisoner the benefit of the pardon, unless he claims the benefit of it….”
“A pardon is an act of grace, proceeding from the power entrusted with the execution of the laws….
(But) delivery is not completed without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered....”
(U.S. Supreme Court)
C. David Accepted God's Pardon
1. Ps. 51:1-3, 17, 19 Met conditions by accepting his sins, repenting, & making animal sacrifices
D. Thief Accepted God's Pardon
1. Lk. 23:39-43 Met conditions: accepted his guilt, repented, & asked to enter God’s kingdom through Christ
E. We Accept God's Pardon If Meet Conditions Given for the Gospel Age
1. Mk. 16:15-16 Jesus gave conditions: Believe gospel, submit in water baptism, be saved from sin
2. NOT: Baptize an infant & save him, & he will believe 12-14 years later
3. NOT: Believe only & be saved, & be baptized later or not at all

III. Because They Worship Him
A. God's Creatures Should Worship Him!
1. Ps. 96:7-9 Holy people worship holy God
B. Jesus Calls Us to Worship God!
1. Jn. 4:20-24 Jesus teaches true worship
C. Jesus Gave the Pattern of True Worship
1. Acts 2:42 Jesus teaches true worship
a. Continued steadfastly: regular attendance
b. Apostles’ doctrine: teach inspired Word of God
c. Fellowship: collection every Sunday (1 Cor. 16:2)
d. Breaking of bread: Lord’s Supper every Sunday (Acts 20:7)
e. Prayers: prayed to God not to dead saints or angels
2. Col. 3:16 Sing from heart, not play harp

IV. Because They Live for Him
A. Life's Purpose: Created to Serve God
1. Eccl. 12:13 Fear & obey God
2. Lk. 9:23 Serve Christ or self?
3. Rom. 12:1-2 Conform to God or to man? Are our attitudes & conduct godly or worldly?
4. Gal. 2:20 Live for him who died for us!

V. Because They Are Faithful to the End
A. Few Obey God & Few Remain Faithful
1. 2 Tim. 2:19 Two indelible inscriptions on an indestructible foundation:
God knows the names of his faithful people, and they separate themselves from sin
2. 2 Tim. 4:6-8 Paul & others also! All who love his appearing.
3. Rev. 2:10 The faithful few rewarded with eternal life with God in heaven!

Invitation
1. Ps. 116:15 In death as in life, God's people are precious to Him
2. Ready to accept or reject God's pardon?
a. Mk. 16:15-16 Jesus gave conditions: Believe gospel, submit in water baptism, be saved from sin

By Ron Halbrook

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