Such then is the blessed hope with which our God has directed us to comfort each other in the day of sorrow; and though our perception of it be but imperfect, we must all admit that it is sufficient. If this be not enough what more can we require? But before we close it is important that we all bear in mind that there is a limitation to the promise; not indeed as to the excellence of its rich gifts, but as to the persons by whom these gifts will be enjoyed; and there are two short clauses in the passage, which though short are very full, and mark with the utmost clearness who those are that shall be partakers of this blessed life. They are those who “sleep in Jesus”; or in other words those who are “dead in Christ.” The whole work is the simple result of the great and perfect redemption wrought out by our Blessed Lord. If it had not been for the atonement there could have been no forgiveness, and no fellowship with God; and without his resurrection there could be none to follow for his people. All springs from redeeming Love, and all is enjoyed simply though Christ. Those that are without Christ must be given up to hopeless sorrow, for to them the passage is without its joy. But to those who are in him; not merely in his church, but in him; forgiven through his blood, justified through his righteousness, baptized by his Spirit into his body, to them the words are full of inexpressible consolation, and present a prospect so brilliant that it may well raise the heart above the sorrow of the intervening separation.