The Fullness Of True Life

Sir Francis Bacon once said, “I do not believe that any man fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death” (source). Woody Allen was heard to say, “I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens” (source).

As Paul faced imprisonment and the prospect of dying in a jail cell, he shared his view about life and death: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

What a great perspective!

While we know that death is our "enemy" (1 Corinthians 15:25-26), we should also know that it does not possess the finality that so many dread. There is a life waiting for believers beyond this life (note the words “living” — “cried” — and “lived” in Mark 12:26-27; Revelation 6:9-10; and Revelation 20:4) — something far better (John 11:25-26; cf. John 14:1-4; John 17:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 7:14-17; Revelation 21:1-7).

Someone has said, “What the caterpillar thinks is the end of life, the butterfly thinks is just the beginning.” George MacDonald wrote, “How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset” (source).

In Philippians 1:21 NLT, the apostle Paul gives us additional insight into his view of death — “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

During our physical life, we have many opportunities to serve Jesus. But one day, we will actually be in His presence (1 John 3:2; cf. John 17:22-24; Psalm 17:15). For the Christian, the fear of death will then give way to the fullness of true life.

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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