On August 2, 1557, William Bongeor, William Purcas, Thomas Benold, Agnes Silverside, alias Smith, Helen Ewring, and Elizabeth Folkes were burnt alive for standing up against heresy. When all the six were also nailed likewise at their stakes, and the fire about them, they clapped their hands for joy in the fire. Like the three young men Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego, these six rejoiced to go through fiery death and enter His glorious presence. (Daniel 3:8-18)
Final words: Elizabeth Folkes expressed her final words: “Farewell, all the world! Farewell faith! Farewell, hope! Welcome, love!” What a courageous and true statement! Facing death, she was not afraid but gave her enemies the essence of the gospel. Paul writes: “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13)
Faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the basis for Christian life. By faith, by grace, we are saved, and it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8-10) God’s people walk in faith and not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7) However, when the believers enter heaven, they can bid farewell as Elizabeth Folkes did. The assurance and conviction by faith are a reality in Heaven.
Hope: Hope is about the future. Believers have the Blessed Hope of being with the Lord forever. (Titus 2:13) Nevertheless, hope becomes reality in heaven. No more waiting or expecting. All the expectations and things hoped for are fulfilled in Heaven. Hence, Elizabeth could say: Farewell Hope.
Love: God is love and His presence, heaven is full of love. (I John 4:16) Paul wanted to fathom the breadth, length, height, and width of love. (Ephesians 3:18-21) Heaven is the ocean of love beyond human comprehension and imagination. A believer could confidently welcome love, as Elizabeth Folkes did while facing death.
Model of the Lord: When the Lord Jesus was crucified, he did not curse or was bitter, but expressed love by seeking forgiveness for the tormentors. (Luke 23:34)
Am I always ready to enter His glorious loving presence?