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

Philippians 1:21

What a tremendously thought-provoking and soul-searching statement uttered by the Apostle Paul! Both parts of this verse are explosive with deep meaning, and mind-boggling conviction. As I read these words my mind goes into so many different directions, pondering the depths of this statement. Let’s try to break it down by looking at the three different components presented in these words.

First, Paul makes this a very personal statement: “for me”. This is an assertion of personal testimony, desire and commitment. Paul is affirming the fact that what he is about to say is his own statement of faith; his personal stance of loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We all have specific commitments and desires in life. There are desires for family relations, career advancement, educational goals, financial security, and so many others that could be added to the list. What would follow the “for me” in your life right now? What word of personal testimony and desire would follow those two simple words? What is it that drives you to face another day with confidence and commitment? What is the goal you strive for? Think seriously for a moment, and then fill in the blank: “for me, ________________________”.

Second, Paul left no room for doubt or debate in his statement. He states assertively and adamantly, “For me, to live is Christ.” That is an extremely interesting statement, to be sure. What do you think he meant by writing those words? “To live is Christ.” Think with me for a moment about Paul’s situation as he penned these words. He was a prisoner, having been arrested for preaching the Gospel. He was in a state of uncertainty, not knowing if he would be executed, or set free. He was literally facing the possibility of continued life by being liberated, or death, by being executed. His life was literally in the balance. It is in the midst of those difficult circumstances that he made this statement: “For me, to live is Christ.”

He was living for Christ while incarcerated, and he would continue to live for Christ if he was set free. And please note that this was a real struggle for Paul. He goes on to say:

“Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ – which is far better – but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”

Philippians 1:22-24

Paul’s strong desire was to be with Christ. He was not afraid of death, knowing that his physical death would result in his being in the presence of his Lord. But he realized that his death would result in the cessation of his ministry. Now, we know that his ministry would continue through the influence he has had through his preaching and missionary work, but he would no longer be here physically to continue. His writings would continue to be a source of ministry, but his physical labor would end. He knew that to continue his ministry by being released from prison would result in more fruitful work for him.

But the struggle was intense, as we see in the next part of verse 21: “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Wow! Have you ever had such a thought as that? “To die is gain.” Once again, I would ask that you take a moment and fill in the blank: To die is ____________________________.” Pause for a moment and think seriously before filling in the blank. Warren Wiersbe, in “The Bible Exposition Commentary,” makes the following observations:

“For to me to live is money and to die is to leave it all behind.”
“For to me to live is fame and to die is to be forgotten.”
“For to me to live is power and to die is to lose it all.”

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 70). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

These are just a few examples of how one might fill in the blank. Yours might be something far different, but to you it is just as powerful. To die is ________________________________.

When we turn our thoughts to the subject of death, we might think of it as that greatest of all enemies: the one that is lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce at the least expected moment, robbing us of those unfulfilled dreams, those unrealized goals, those unsettled issues, that we thought we had plenty of time to complete.

Death is no respecter of persons. If the Lord tarries His coming, we will all face our own personal appointment with death. And we should learn to face it with the encouraging words of Scripture: to die is gain. We gain the glory of God’s presence. We gain the beauty of Christ’s presence. We gain the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence. We gain the magnificence of heaven. We gain the reunion with loved ones who have gone the way of death before us. We gain the eternal home Jesus has lovingly prepared for us. We gain the new earth which has been made over in the likeness of Eden. We gain the end of sorrow, sickness, death, separation, corruption, sin, evil, temptation. Yes, our physical death is such an eternal gain. And, a great reminder from the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans: the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory set before us! Yes! Yes! Yes! To die is gain!

But let’s not forget: to live is Christ. Our goal in this life is to live for Christ. We are to be witnesses to Him and for Him in all we do. Our world is becoming more and more anti-Christ, so it is all the more important for us to live for Him.

And, let’s also remember: no matter what we face in this life will fade into insignificance when we stand in the presence of the eternal God who loves us, and has prepared a place of such beauty and majesty that we will never again remember the sufferings of this life. So, let’s repeat after Paul: “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”