First, I want my loved ones to know that I place full confidence and trust in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who promised: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).

Second, knowing that the wages of sin is death, I believe that Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, suffered and died for the forgiveness of all my sins — forgiveness which I neither deserve nor merit, but receive as a free gift of God, who is rich in grace and mercy.

Third, I leave to all my loved ones the words of our Savior, found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I leave those who survive me the comfort of knowing that I have died in this faith and now have joined my Lord in eternal glory.

Fourth, I praise God for giving me a loving, caring, Christian helpmate in my (wife/husband), (list name). She/He has been a blessing to me, and a wonderful mother/father to our children. Knowing that we both share our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we will praise the Lord forever in Heaven.

Fifth, I pray that the Lord would guard and protect my children, (list their names).

You are very special to me, and I thank the Lord for you. Through your baptism you have been received into God’s family and I urge you to remain faithful to Christ until you are called home to be with the Lord. I love you and I look forward to eternity with you in Heaven.

Sixth, I pray that the Lord would shower His blessings upon my grandchildren, (list their names).

May the Holy Spirit guide you along the narrow path of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. I urge you to respect your parents and honor them as your parents have honored me.

Seventh, I recognize that all my earthly possessions are a gift from God. Therefore, I have made provisions in my will (or trust) to continue my Christian stewardship after I have gone to Heaven to be with the Lord. I trust that what I offer as a gift will be blessed many times over by the Lord in building His kingdom.

Eighth, my heirs will receive, through me, gifts from God. May you always remember that everything you have is a trust from God. Be good and wise stewards of His blessings, managing wisely and returning to Him a generous portion of the work in His kingdom.