Let God Speak #8: Death Is a Victory

Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Death is always bad news. A slight discomfort settles on our hearts when we hear about a stranger’s death. It cuts our heart when we learn of a tragedy or severe accident. Salt is poured on when a child dies.  The gut punch knocks the wind out if a co-worker passes. Tears flow like a stream at the news of a friend’s death. Our hearts shatter when a loved one dies. Death swings his sickle. Everyone cries.   

For a Christian, death is not any less sad. The hole in the heart bleeds tears. Life is changed, full of sadness and sorrow. The emptiness where our loved ones sat haunts us.  Our hearts see death, that ultimate weapon of sin and Satan, and scream, “This should not be!”

For a Christian, death is a victory; the spoils are life and peace. Death is a door, through which we enter paradise. Death is a gain, after which we receive a home in that golden city on the holy mountain. Death is a joy; our loved ones in Christ have left this world of pain and toil. We will see them again.

Our hearts scream, “Death should not be!”  Because of Christ, death is not. Through it we gain eternal paradise. Through Christ, you can too.