The phrase “rest in peace,” commonly abbreviated as RIP, is a common expression used in relation to someone who has died. But is this phrase biblical? What does the Bible have to say about using RIP and what it means for those who have passed away? Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
The Origin and Meaning of RIP
The expression “rest in peace” or requiescat in pace in Latin, has been used in Christian contexts for centuries. It can be found inscribed on ancient Christian tombstones dating back to the 8th century. The phrase reflects the Christian belief that death is not the end, but a restful sleep until the resurrection when the dead will rise again to new life.
So at its root, RIP expresses the hope that the deceased will rest peacefully until Christ returns. The soul of the departed is at rest with God while awaiting the future resurrection. Saying “rest in peace” over a grave points to the Christian promise that death is not final. There will be a day when all those who died in Christ will rise again. So RIP reflects the biblical hope of eternal life after death.
What the Bible Says About Death
To better understand the meaning of RIP, it’s important to look at what the Bible as a whole says about death. Some key points:
- Death is a consequence of sin entering the world (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). It is an enemy, the “last enemy” that will one day be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26).
- When believers die, their soul goes to be with Christ to enjoy His presence (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8). This is a state of rest and peace.
- The dead who belong to Christ remain in this disembodied state until He returns and their bodies are resurrected (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
- The hope of resurrection – that the perishable will put on the imperishable – is central to Christian hope (1 Corinthians 15).
- The Bible uses the metaphor of sleep to describe the intermediate state between death and resurrection (John 11:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Just as a sleeping person rests until awakened, the dead rest until Christ’s return.
Looking at these key biblical points helps us understand the Christian meaning behind “rest in peace.” It points to the hope of resurrection that believers have in Christ. Death is not final – it is a temporary rest on the way to eternal life.
Is It Biblical to Say “Rest in Peace”?
Given the biblical understanding of death, is it appropriate for Christians to use the phrase “rest in peace” in regards to loved ones who have died? Here are several reasons why RIP can be considered a biblical expression:
- The Bible speaks of death as sleep and pictures the deceased at rest with the Lord, which aligns with the idea behind RIP (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
- Praying for the dead to rest peacefully until resurrection is consistent with Christian theology and hope in eternal life.
- The phrase offers comfort to the grieving by reminding them their loved one is at peace with Christ.
- For believers, absence from the body means being home with the Lord in paradise (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) – a state of rest and peace.
- RIP has been used on Christian graves for centuries, signalling it has long been seen as theologically appropriate.
At the same time, some Christians argue against using RIP for theological reasons:
- Nowhere in Scripture are we instructed to pray for the dead or say RIP.
- It may reflect an unbiblical view of purgatory – that the deceased need our prayers to “rest in peace.”
- It can become a meaningless habitual saying without reflecting on Christian hope.
- Prayers for anything should be directed to God, not uttered as a wish for the dead.
There are good arguments on both sides of this debate. Whether or not to say RIP is a matter of personal conviction and Christian freedom.
What Does It Mean for the Unsaved Dead?
For people who die without trusting in Christ, RIP takes on an entirely different meaning. Scripture teaches some key truths about the state of the unsaved after death:
- They are separated from God’s presence, rather than enjoying fellowship with Him (Luke 16:19-31).
- They experience torment and anguish, not peace (Luke 16:23).
- There is an uncrossable chasm between the abode of the righteous and the unrighteous dead (Luke 16:26).
- Their state is eternal. There is no second chance after death (Hebrews 9:27).
- Like believers, they await the future resurrection – but it will be one of condemnation, not life (John 5:28-29).
For those who die apart from salvation in Christ, “rest in peace” would certainly be a misnomer. That’s why some believers argue RIP should only said of fellow Christians, if at all. The unsaved dead experience eternal separation from God, not peace.
Alternatives to RIP
Some Christians prefer to use alternatives to RIP when someone dies to reflect different biblical truths or avoid potential theological confusion:
- “With the Lord” – Emphasizes the deceased is now in the Lord’s presence.
- “In paradise” – Reflects the promise made to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43).
- “Asleep in Christ” – Uses the biblical metaphor of sleep for death.
- “Rejoicing with Christ” – Focuses on the heavenly joy believers experience after death.
- “Free from pain” – Expresses gratitude for the end of suffering with no need to pray for peace.
- “Gone home” – Pictures death as the believer going home to be with the Lord.
- Simply sharing Scriptures about Christian hope and the resurrection.
These alternatives can avoid potential theological confusion while still expressing confidence in God’s promises about eternal life. However, it’s ultimately a personal choice.
Pastoral Considerations
When it comes to mourning with those who have lost a loved one, pastors and church leaders need wisdom and compassion on this issue. Here are some pastoral considerations:
- Ask the family which term they are comfortable with using in the funeral service – RIP or something else.
- Focus on biblical truths about death and express these in your words of comfort without assumptions.
- Be sensitive to where the family is spiritually. The grieving process may not be the best time for theological debates over RIP.
- Point to the hope of resurrection and eternal life with sensitivity to the raw grief the family feels.
- Consider alternatives to RIP when ministering to unbelievers or if the deceased’s faith is uncertain.
- Emphasize that God is the ultimate provider of peace and rest, more than any human expression.
Pastoring the grieving requires being led by the Spirit to know when to speak truth boldly and when to speak it gently. Pray for sensitivity to those who mourn.
Examples in Scripture
While the exact phrase “rest in peace” is not in the Bible, we do find examples of biblical figures mourning the dead in faith-filled ways:
- Abraham’s burial of Sarah – He expressed hope that after death she was “gathered to her people” (Genesis 25:8).
- Jacob’s request about his own burial – He sought to be “gathered to my people” reflecting his faith that death would reunite him with loved ones who died in the Lord (Genesis 49:29).
- David’s reaction to Absalom’s death – Though his son died in war as an enemy, David mourned, saying, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you” (2 Samuel 18:33).
- The mourners for Dorcas – They wept over her death, showing “the tunics and garments that Dorcas made while she was with them” (Acts 9:39).
- Paul’s prayer for Onesiphorus – Paul prayed blessing over this faithful brother who had recently died: “May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!” (2 Timothy 1:18).
These examples give us models for grieving in godly ways for loved ones the Lord calls home. Our grief is not meaningless, even as we cling to the hope of resurrection.
Biblical Balance
In navigating this issue, Christians are wise to have biblical balance, recognizing two key truths:
- Death has been defeated by Christ. It is not to be feared but rather seen as a defeated enemy and a gateway to eternal life for believers. We sorrow upon death but not like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
- Death and loss are still real enemies that plague this broken world. It is right to grieve upon death, following the example of Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35). The hope of resurrection does not eliminate the pain of loss in the present.
Expressing this kind of biblical lament that mingles real sorrow with genuine hope is a great pastoral model. Saying RIP or using alternatives can be appropriate if done thoughtfully, not as empty platitudes but as reflections of confidence in God’s promises.
Conclusion
The common phrase “rest in peace” has a long Christian history and can reflect biblical truths about the intermediate state of those who die in Christ. However, some have valid concerns about the potential for theological confusion or meaningless repetition of RIP. Pastors should exercise wisdom when counseling grieving families, who may prefer alternatives that focus directly on the hope of eternal life.
For those who die without Christ, RIP is contradicted by the biblical witness of eternal separation from God. In all, Christians affirm that grounding our understanding of death and mourning in Scripture is far more significant than the specific words used. Death has been swallowed up in victory through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). This is the firm foundation for either saying RIP or using any alternatives in a biblical manner.