Death

Why Do Christians Die?

Death is not punishment for sins

Romans 8:1 NASB95

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Since there is no condemnation for sin for those in Christ Jesus, then we cannot conclude that death is punishment for our sins. Christ paid the price for our sins

Death is the result of a fallen world

God has not removed evil from this world. As a result death reigns on this earth. There is coming a day where death will no longer reign. 1 Cor. 15:54-55

1 Corinthians 15:54–55 NASB95

But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

Until death is conquered it is a reality of living in a fallen world.

God completes sanctification in death

God uses suffering and death to make us look more like Christ. For example God allows suffering in a persons life to develop a Christ-like character in their life. Sometime God disciplines us to make us more Christ-like. Jesus doesn’t protect us from suffering, nor does he protect us from death. Phil. 1:20

Philippians 1:20 NASB95

according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Death is the final aspect of sanctification. Once you are in His presence you will be sanctified.

Obedience should be more important than life

The worlds goal is the preservation of life. We will do anything to keep ourselves alive. However, God desires that we value obedience to Him above preserving our lives. This means that we should be willing to die for the call of God in our life. Acts 21:13

Acts 21:13 NASB95

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 25:11 NASB95

“If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.”

Paul wanted to do what God called him to do, even if it cost him his life. The fact that we could have the honor of losing our life for Christ should be considered of the highest value.

How Do We View Death

Our own death

we should see our own death just as a transition from our temporary home to our eternal home. Phil. 1:21-23

Philippians 1:21–23 NASB95

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

Revelation 14:13 NASB95

And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

We should not fear death because we get to leave this world and go to heaven.

Death of Christian friends and relatives

We should also understand that it is a transition for them. We should also understand that it is appropriate to mourn deeply at the passing of a loved one. Jesus cried when Lazarus died and he knew that He was going to raise him from the dead.

However the death of a christian loved one should be coupled with joy. The joy comes from knowing that they are with Jesus. They do not have to suffer in this world any longer.

Death of unbelievers

We should mourn deeply fro these because their is no salvation for them. The only bright thing about this is that it gives you an opportunity to share the gospel with other lost people.

What Happens Immediately After Death

A believers soul goes immediately into God’s presence if God.

2 Cor. 5:8

2 Corinthians 5:8 NASB95

we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

Our bodies will remain on earth but our souls will go into the presence of God. God will reunite our bodies when he returns. Only our new bodies will be eternal.

The Bible does not teach purgatory

The idea of purgatory is that a person is put into a holding place until they or someone else pays for their sin penalty. This is done by praying for the dead or paying a large sum to the church to get them out.

Only Christ can make atonement for our sin.

The Bible does not teach “soul sleep”

This is a belief that when you die, your soul goes into a deep sleep until Christ returns. This is contrary to scripture Heb. 12:1

Hebrews 12:1 NASB95

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Luke 23:43 NASB95

And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Psalm 115:17–18 NASB95

The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor do any who go down into silence; But as for us, we will bless the Lord From this time forth and forever. Praise the Lord!