Why Dying is Gain for the Christian

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. That’s the bold declaration Paul makes in his letter to the Philippians. In essence Paul was saying, in life or in death his life is not his but Christ’s. Therefore, in life, he will live recklessly abandoned to the cause of Jesus Christ and do His bidding and in death he gains eternal fellowship with Christ himself! A Christian cannot faithfully live his life without a biblical perspective of death. And yet it is those who live well, who die well. Living in light of our death is something the bible encourages, for it appointed for man to die and afterwards judgement (Hebrews 9:27), teach us to number our days (Psalm 90:12) or what is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and vanishes (James 4:14). For those who live for Christ, dying will always be gain and here are some reasons from scripture why death is gain.

We will be with Christ forever

As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Philippians 1:20-24

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be. John 14:1-3

Our Spirits will be finally perfect

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect. Hebrews 12:22-23

We will know everlasting joy

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11

We will be rewarded for all our labors

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

The fear of dying can cripple you and cause anxiety in your soul but for the one who lives faithfully for Christ- To live is Christ and to die is gain. Live well so you may die well.