Grieving, Hope and Solace: When a Loved One Dies in Christ

by Albert N. Martin

Here is a tender blending of memoir and theology, a joining of heart and mind, a sober yet joyful consideration of Scripture in the face of one of life’s deepest and most grievous trials. What exactly happens to those who die as Christians? What do they immediately experience? What is their existence like right now? What will happen to them when Christ returns to earth? These questions can be especially acute for grieving loved ones who remain. What comfort and assurance does Scripture offer you? What can you truly know and be confident of? These are the questions and concerns that faced Pastor Albert N. Martin following the death of his wife of nearly 50 years. He knew that, if he were to grieve in a way that glorified God, he needed to know the answers to those questions, as clearly as possible, directly from Scripture. This book is the product of his grief, his tears, his travails, his prayers, and his concentrated study of God's Word. A beloved pastor and widely respected preacher for half a century, Albert Martin handles Scripture with the greatest of skill, care, wisdom, and respect. In this book, you will learn what God tells us with regard to the burning questions that so often accompany the death of a loved one in Christ. There is comfort for the grief. There are answers to the questions. The Bible does offer hope, solace, healing, and confidence. Pastor Albert Martin has been there. Let him share with you the deep comfort, encouragement, and joy that he found, through Scripture, in the midst of his grieving.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Grief, Counselling, Christianity, Nonfiction

116 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Pastor Albert N. Martin shepherded the people of Trinity Baptist Church in Montville, New Jersey for 46 years. He was a Reformed Baptist at least a quarter-century before anyone considered it to be cool. Now retired from ministry, he has written this book for Cruciform Press to recount what he learned from the death of his wife, Marilyn, at age 73. Grieving, Hope, and Solace is his second book, and his first for a lay audience. To offer a sense of the depth of Pastor Martin’s ministry, the late John Murray, Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and author of several classic books, including Redemption Accomplished and Applied, once said regarding an upcoming conference,“If Al Martin is to be there I really think he should be asked to take the three evening services proposed for me. He is one of the ablest and most moving preachers I have ever heard…I have not heard his equal.”

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eased the pain I'd been feeling over the loss of my brother this past April.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edifying and biblical. Concise, short chapters and simple writing style make this an easy read in the midst of grief. Having lost his wife of 49 years, Martin is no stranger to loss and shares from his heart the truths which God used to enable him to glorify God as he grieved. This is a soothing balm in the face of loss.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful comfort to those who lose loved ones in the Lord. Martin is shaped by the loss of his own wife, and the biblical truths that lifted his eyes heavenward.

A very simple, easy read, and yet rich with instruction and encouragement.

[Bethany Bowen-Wefuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, encouraging read. It's given me some anchoring truths as I consider my dad's death and death in general.

[Lindsay Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the pastor shared his intimate story of losing his wife whereby seeking to grieve "to the glory of God" and not as those "who have no hope." And by studying the scriptures and growing in the knowledge of what had immediately become of his wife when she passed, brought a sense of peace and joy. I find it to be the same with my loss. A beautiful read chalked full of great truth. Thankful.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 10 stars if I could. I was gifted this book after losing my father a few weeks ago and it has been so helpful in teaching me how to mourn with a biblical perspective. Martin did such an amazing job, so much so that I plan to quote him multiple times as I share at my fathers memorial. So grateful for this book. I have purchased and given away three extras so far to other friends and family who are grieving and I imagine I will purchase more in the future.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after my twin brother died suddenly aged 28.And found it to be a real blessing. Albert N Martin writes from experiance on how he found hope and solace in God through reading Gods word. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what happens to a beliver when they die, especially to thoes who are grieving.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second time reading through this one; the first time was when it was first published in 2011. Much comfort and encouragement here.

[S Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was given to us after we lost our 25 yo son by a dear friend who lost two sons. This is the only book she recommends for grief. I understand why.

[Sue Summerill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fulfilling

I have read several other spiritual books,and I think the author did a great job! I'm very happy I read this book. I am Christian and believe in God, his son Jesus Christ and in the holy spirit. I have no doubt that we who believe will die, and our spirit will be with our savior. I thank the author for sharing his book.

[Dawn Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read as a believer on learning to glorify the Lord in the midst of grief.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from www.cruciform.com that I receive monthly on my kindle. Something I have not considered but gave me great comfort that it is not true that death is a part of life. We have all heard that before. Martin explains the gospel in that premise and how when we are in Christ, we are with him. In fact, it is an answer to Jesus prayer to be with him where he is. For those that are left behind, we are left with a void in our lives. How do we fill that void? It is a process of dealing with our grief and and seeking to understand and grasp by faith the blessedness of the promised rest and what our loved ones have gained by death. What we are left with is not pieces of a broken heart, but a heart that gives glory to God and how we can serve others thru our understanding. I have only several loved ones die. Just recently my grandmother who was a great prayer warrior whom I know is with Jesus. It truly is heaven's gain.

Martin does direct his book to the believer and the non believer with encouragement and hope. I recommend this book to those have had a loss. It helps you work those feelings that you may be having as the author himself had lost his wife of many years.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief is never an easy stage in life, but it is surely a reality in life, as Christians we have a responsibility to grieve to the Glory of God, in this book Pastor Martin has given us the Biblical basis to do just that.

Having already experienced the loss of a loved one in Christ, I believe this book has truly prepared me much more for a similar experience.

A few of the commentators have said “Whether you are a pastor or counsellor, one who is experiencing the pangs of grief, or a member of the church who wants to be useful to others, you need to read this book”. Joseph Pipa

“Al Martin weaves together personal tenderness and biblical teaching in this sweet book of comfort. Buy it and give it away, but make sure to get a copy for yourself, too. We can never be too prepared for the trial of losing a loved one” Dr Joel Beeke.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speaking from deeply personal experience, Martin recounts the death of his long-time wife and the grieving process that followed. This booklet is culled from sermons Martin delivered to his own church in the weeks after his wife’s passing. He deftly expounds Scripture’s teaching about life beyond this life. Though surface-level, this is a helpful resource all Christians—not just for those who will lose a loved one, but for those called to comfort them as well.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author of this book has experienced the loss of a loved one, his wife. He writes to help the believer know what the scripture teaches about death and what happens to those who die. He does not deal with all the various superstitious ideas people have; he simply deals compassionately with what the scripture teaches and draws all of his conclusions from the pages of the Bible. He summarizes well and has a short chapter at the end addressing the non-believer who may be reading the book.

[Brian Whited · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the first half of the book was excellent, a clear, concise, and biblical account of the nature of death and grieving. The author's own struggle with the loss of his wife also made the read authentic. The second half of the book was good as well, but at times it felt overly spiritualized. The author has a decidedly two-kingdom feel to his writing.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deals with the topic in a logical and thoroughly Biblical way. Most usefully, it emphasizes how blessed it is to 'die in the Lord'. A helpful resource to remind us on how to bring glory to God even when grieving.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!! What an encouraging book. I highly recommend it!

[Becky Pliego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do all things to the glory of God. Yes, even in the way we mourn and grieve, we can bring glory to Him and thus find hope and solace.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book on exactly what the title says. It gave me a new perspective on what our focus should be. Recommended for anyone who's lost a loved one who knew Christ as Savior!

[Steve Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will cherish. To say it was helpful is like saying Everest is quite high. Truly a blessing from God

[CJ Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, succinct summary of the biblical teaching on death and the afterlife, with wise pastoral application. A great book to use to prepare for death and to guide the grieving process.

[Donna Gabbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of sermons featuring good reminders for those whose loved ones have gone to be with the LORD. I was helped and challenged by this.