DEATH AND THE LIFE AFTER (1)

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

—Philippians 1:21

How could the Apostle Paul write the words in our text, “and to die is gain”? Paul could say that death was gain because he could also say, “For to me to live is Christ.” Is this your confession, “For to me to live is Christ”? Are you truly trusting in Jesus Christ alone for the salvation of your soul? Has He redeemed you? Have you heard His words in your soul, “Your sins are forgiven” – “I give you eternal life” – “You shall never perish!” If so, then you are one who can also say, “and to die is gain.” This is the wonderful testimony of every believer. Death is gain. It is not loss or destruction, but death is a benefit to the believer. Paul said in our text, “to die is GAIN.” The reason the Apostle Paul says death is gain for the believer is found in Philippians 1:23, “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” Paul said he desired to depart, that is to die, in order to be with Christ, which is far better than being in this world. This is the certainty of every believer, that even though we know we must die yet death is not a loss but a gain because we go to be with Christ, the Lover of our soul.

—Pastor S. Henry