The minister preaches him into heaven at his funeral. By Charles Spurgeon.

Ezekiel chapter 13, verse 10. They lead my people astray, saying, Peace when there is no peace.

Most ministers dare not speak hard truths for fear of offending, but it is better to offend men than to flatter them into hell. It has become tragically common that, no matter how a person has lived, whether in open rebellion against God, mockery of His Word, or a life utterly void of repentance and faith, the minister preaches him into heaven at his funeral.

This betrayal is not merely a sentimental error, It is a grievous sin against God, a deception to the living, and a dishonor to the truth of the Gospel. God has solemnly charged His ministers to proclaim the truth without fear or favor, yet too many of them care more about their paychecks and pleasing men than in pleasing the God who sees and judges all things in truth.

They comfort the hearers with lies rather than confront them with the solemn realities of death, judgment, and eternity. Ministers who love popularity and money more than truth will always preach the kind of gospel that fills pews and hell. To tell the unconverted that they are safe while they continue in sin is to murder their souls with a lie.

The prophet Jeremiah condemned the false prophets of his day who committed the same evil. From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain. Prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. Peace, peace, they say, when there is no peace.

Those who mocked God and His word while they lived are not at peace after they die. They are damned, and their condemnation is just. This is what the Sovereign Lord says. Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?

Such ministers have no true concern for the perishing people whom they teach. They do not fear God, they fear man. They are like those of whom God says, the prophets prophesy lies and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? Yes, what will they do in the end when they must give their account to the all-knowing and inexorably just judge of the universe?

Genuine love always speaks truth. A faithful minister must declare, even at a funeral, that man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Eternity is too serious to deceive men with false hopes and lies. May God raise up men who will proclaim His Word with holy fear and fearless faithfulness.

Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1.10