Sharing favorite epitaphs

Let us talk today about epitaphs. I once read about the line on the gravestone of a guide who died while climbing. It simply said, “He died climbing.” The words on the tomb of a Christian astronomer stated, “We have gazed too long at the stars of God to be afraid of the night.”

One of my favorites is the epitaph on Benjamin Franklin’s tombstone: 

“The body of B. Franklin printer

Like the cover of an old book,

Its contents torn out

And stripped of its lettering and gilding

Lie here food for worms.

But the work shall not be wholly lost,

For it will as he believes, appear once more

In a new and more perfect edition.

Corrected and amended,

By the author.”

But the epitaph that I want you to remember most today is of an unknown individual:

“Remember, friend, when passing by,

As you are now, so once was I.

As I am now, soon you will be,

Prepare for death and follow me.”

Someone wrote below this statement:

“To follow you I’m not content,

Until I know which way you went.”

My question to you is this: “Which way are you going?” I hope everyone who reads this article knows Christ as Savior, but unless you have a personal relationship with Jesus you cannot know that you are going to Heaven when you die. Let me assure you that you can know which way you are going. The Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which one in Christ Jesus … (Romans 8:1). Also we are told in I John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life …” 

It is wonderful to know that you are saved, and to be sure of your eternal destiny. When Thomas said he did not know the way, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).

The good news is that all may come to Him. I still rejoice in this truth — that I am saved by faith in Jesus Christ. What will your epitaph say?