This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."

"For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;

"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Yes, and if I am being poured out [as a drink offering] on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come -- all are yours.

And you [are] Christ's, and Christ [is] God's.

But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those [who are] Christ's at His coming.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed [are] the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."