Death of believers (2)

Death is a normal experience for believers

Romans 14:8 NKJV

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

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Death can be a blessing

Because of the prospect of heaven

Philippians 1:21–23 NKJV

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

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Because it brings relief from trouble and problems

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At death believers are with Christ

They are in his presence

Luke 23:43 NKJV

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

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They are safe and secure

The second death is the final banishment of unbelievers from God’s presence.

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They have the prospect of a new order of things

Revelation 21:4 NKJV

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

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The defeat of death

Death is vanquished for believers

1 Corinthians 15:55 NKJV

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”

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Death is to be reversed in resurrection

The death of believers is likened to sleep

Implying rest, renewing and awaking

Sleep does not imply lack of consciousness but rather rest, renewing and awaking. In the NT it is only used of believers.

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Implying peace and comfort

Abraham’s side suggests a welcome to a place of peace and protection.

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Death and the recognition of others

“caught up together” implies recognition.

See also “gathered to his people” (literally “to his father’s kin”) is a common OT expression and implies continued existence together; ; ; ; ;

Believers can face death without fear

They die in relationship with God

Hebrews 2:14–15 NKJV

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

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They die trusting the Lord

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They receive comfort in facing death

John 11:25–26 NKJV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

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In death they can glorify God

Philippians 1:20 NKJV

according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

In this believers are to be envied

Numbers 23:10 NKJV

“Who can count the dust of Jacob, Or number one-fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, And let my end be like his!”

Believers often hated the idea of death

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Martyred believers are specially honoured in Scripture

Revelation 12:11 NKJV

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

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