To Die Is Gain
To Die Is Gain
What are you living for? If it is to amass wealth, then to die is to lose it all. If it is to become famous, then to die is to be forgotten. If it is to party, then to die means the party is over. But for the Apostle Paul, and for everyone who names the name of Christ, if we live life for Jesus, then to die is gain! That’s exactly what Paul told the Philippian believers in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul couldn’t wait to depart this life and to be with Jesus because he knew if we live for Jesus in this life, God promises, even in death, that we will triumph. Paul couldn’t wait “to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Indeed, for the believer, to die is gain. Can you imagine being reunited with friends and loved ones in the faith and living life actually in the presence of Jesus? Can you imagine living a life no longer broken by sin? No more cancer, disease, or dementia. No more shame, anxiety, or regret. No more pain, tears, or sadness. And no more sin! Hallelujah!
Beloved, one day you are going to die! Your body will be taken to a funeral home and be prepared. They will have a service for you, where, hopefully, someone will say nice words about you. Many will remark how much they miss you, they will sing a song, and say a prayer, and you will be buried. If you lived your life in a relationship with Jesus Christ, then you will have gained heaven and everyone and everything that comes with it. But, if you lived for wealth, for fame, or to party, in other words, if you lived without repenting and believing in Jesus, then to die is not gain; rather, the full weight of the wrath of God abides on you! Beloved, the undertaker is at the door. I beg you, today, repent and believe in Jesus and what He did for you at Calvary, and you will be saved! Indeed, for the believer, to die is gain!
This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.
by Laine Wilder
author of “Insights From an Elder” for
Carry the Light Ministries
