Death of believers

Death is a normal experience for believers

Romans 14:8 KJV 1900

8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

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Hebrews 9:27 KJV 1900

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Death can be a blessing

Because of the prospect of heaven

Philippians 1:21–23 KJV 1900

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to 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 KJV 1900

43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

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2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV 1900

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:10 KJV 1900

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

They are safe and secure

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

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Revelation 20:6 KJV 1900

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

They have the prospect of a new order of things

Revelation 21:4 KJV 1900

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

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The defeat of death

Death is vanquished for believers

1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV 1900

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

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Revelation 20:14 KJV 1900

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

2 Timothy 1:10 KJV 1900

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

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.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV 1900

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

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 KJV 1900

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

They die trusting the Lord

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Hebrews 11:13 KJV 1900

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

They receive comfort in facing death

John 11:25–26 KJV 1900

25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

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In death they can glorify God

Philippians 1:20 KJV 1900

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

In this believers are to be envied

Numbers 23:10 KJV 1900

10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, And the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, And let my last 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 KJV 1900

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

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