How do we know that to live is Christ and to die is gain?

The declaration of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21 encapsulates the paradox of Christian living: for him, life is entirely wrapped up in Christ. His purpose, identity, and fulfillment come from his relationship with Jesus. Death, rather than being seen as a loss, is viewed as gain because it signifies the believer’s entrance into eternal communion with Christ. The hope of resurrection reinforces this belief; through Christ, believers are assured of victory over death and the promise of eternal life. Thus, the tension between life and death for a Christian is transformed into an avenue that brings glory to God, as they can manifest Christ in life and anticipate a glorious reunion in death.