Death Is Gain for the Christian

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:21

    Every person struggles with the fact of living and dying. There are only two theories of life and death. Paul described the Christian's rationale: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). Conversely, the nonchristian's opinion is "to live is self, and to die is loss." The difference between the believer and nonbeliever is unique. It stands alone in quality. The Christian has two lives — natural life from his parents and spiritual life from God. On the other hand, the unbeliever has only the one life which came from his parents. Death to sin preceded life in the Christian. Hence, the Christian's death to sin is the fruit of Christ's death for his sin. Conversely, the unbeliever is dead in sin. Therefore, only the person who can speak of death as gain can say, "For me to live is Christ."

    The statement "For me to live is Christ" is so filled with doctrinal teaching that it staggers the spiritual mind. Life itself is a mystery, but the Christian life is a greater mystery. Beginning with the lowest form of life and going all the way to its highest form, there is mystery. The higher the form of life the greater the complexity and mystery. All lower forms of life are derived from God, who is their source. The believer is dependent on Christ, is conformed to Christ, has fellowship with Christ, and looks for Christ.

    Death is gain to everyone who can sincerely say, "For me to live is Christ." This is the only gain that satisfies the Christian. Death brings the Christian immediate gain. Negatively, he is free from indwelling sin, temptation, weakness of the flesh, suffering, sorrow, persecution, and a temporary decaying body. Positively, he gains Christ's personal presence, his inheritance, the kingdom, a body like Christ's, and perfection in holiness. As a minister lay on his death bed, his friend asked if he would like him to engage in prayer. The dying minister replied, "I would rather you would engage in praise."