Death, of believers

Believers in Jesus Christ will depart from this present life to the joy of God's presence.

Death is a normal experience for believers

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Death can be a blessing

Because of the prospect of heaven

Philippians 1:21–23 See also Numbers 23:10; Psalm 49:15, Psalm 116:15; Luke 2:29; 2 Timothy 4:6–8; Revelation 7:13–17, Revelation 14:13

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.

Because it brings relief from trouble and problems

1 Kings 19:4; Job 3:20, Job 7:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7

At death believers are with Christ

They are in his presence

Luke 23:43 See also 2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:10

And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

They are safe and secure

Revelation 2:11 The second death is the final banishment of unbelievers from God's presence. See also Romans 14:8; Revelation 20:6

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.

They have the prospect of a new order of things

Revelation 21:4 See also 2 Timothy 4:6–8; Revelation 22:3–5

‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

The defeat of death

Death is vanquished for believers

1 Corinthians 15:55 See also Romans 8:36; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:14

“Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?”

Death is to be reversed in resurrection

Though some of the above passages suggest that eternal life in Jesus Christ's presence is experienced immediately at death, others such as the following link these blessings with resurrection at the final coming of Jesus Christ: John 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51–54; 1 Thessalonians 4:16

The death of believers is likened to sleep

Implying rest, renewing and awaking

Acts 7:59–60 Sleep does not imply lack of consciousness but rather rest, renewing and awaking. In the NT it is only used of believers. See also Deuteronomy 31:16; Daniel 12:2; Mark 5:39; John 11:11–14; Acts 13:36; 1 Corinthians 15:6, 1 Corinthians 15:17–18; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–16

While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Implying peace and comfort

Luke 16:22 Abraham's side suggests a welcome to a place of peace and protection. See also Genesis 49:33; 2 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 57:1–2; Luke 16:25

One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried.

Death and the recognition of others

1 Thessalonians 4:17 “caught up together” implies recognition. See also Genesis 25:8 “gathered to his people” (literally “to his father's kin”) is a common OT expression and implies continued existence together; Job 3:13–14; Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:4; Luke 16:24; 1 Corinthians 13:12

After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.

Believers can face death without fear

They die in relationship with God

Hebrews 2:14–15 See also Psalm 23:4; Proverbs 14:32

Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

They die trusting the Lord

Hebrews 11:13, Hebrews 11:21–22

They receive comfort in facing death

John 11:25–26 See also Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 1:18

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

In death they can glorify God

Philippians 1:20

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

In this believers are to be envied

Numbers 23:10

Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!”

Believers often hated the idea of death

Martyred believers are specially honoured in Scripture

Revelation 12:11 See also Revelation 2:13

They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.