dying is gain
Death is often a topic avoided by many. It’s scary, uncertain, and intense. Yet for us, as Christians, it has a deeper meaning. In Philippians 1:21-24, Paul offers us a glimpse into the eternal perspective of death. He says:
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."
Paul's words illustrate a deep understanding of what does looks like when we are saved—that our lives are ultimately anchored in Christ, and death, rather than being an end, marks the beginning of an eternal journey.
When Paul says "to die is gain," he's not advocating for a morbid desire for death. Instead, he's expressing a profound truth about the Christian perspective on life and death. In Christ, death loses its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). It becomes a transition from the temporary to the eternal, from earthly struggles to an eternal peace in the presence of our Savior.
But why did Paul see death as gain? It's because he understood that departing from this world meant being in the direct presence of Christ—a reality far surpassing any earthly joy or fulfillment. Imagine the sheer magnitude of that encounter—the one who walked on water, healed the sick, and conquered death itself, welcoming us into His eternal embrace. It's beyond comprehension.
Paul acknowledges there's a tension in this understanding. He recognizes the importance of his earthly ministry, of serving and laboring for the sake of others. His desire to be with Christ is tempered by his commitment to fulfill his calling on earth. This tension reflects the Christian's contradictory existence—we are citizens of heaven, yet called to engage faithfully in the here and now. Often times our earthly desires prevent us from fully understanding that “to die is gain.”
So, what does it mean for us today to embrace the truth that "to die is gain"? It doesn't mean we seek death or disregard the gift of life. Rather, it’s an encouragement to live with an eternal perspective. It challenges us to hold loosely to the things of this world and to fix our eyes on the eternal glory that awaits us.
In death, we lay down our struggles, our pains, and our sorrows. We exchange them for the incomparable joy of being in the presence of our Savior. It's not the end of our story but the beginning of an eternity filled with love, joy, and peace beyond measure.
As we navigate the complexities of life, may we find comfort and hope in the truth that death, for the Christian, is not the end. It's a gateway to something far greater—a reunion with our Savior, where every tear will be wiped away, and every pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4).
Fix your eyes on the prize set before you and live each day with the assurance that to die is gain—a gain far surpassing anything this world could ever offer.
