Death of believers

Death is a normal experience for believers

Romans 14:8 NLT

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

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Death can be a blessing

Because of the prospect of heaven

Philippians 1:21–23 NLT

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

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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 NLT

And Jesus replied, “I assure 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 NLT

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

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The defeat of death

Death is vanquished for believers

1 Corinthians 15:55 NLT

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

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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 NLT

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

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They die trusting the Lord

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They receive comfort in facing death

John 11:25–26 NLT

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

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In death they can glorify God

Philippians 1:20 NLT

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

In this believers are to be envied

Numbers 23:10 NLT

Who can count Jacob’s descendants, as numerous as dust? Who can count even a fourth of Israel’s people? Let me die like the righteous; let my life end like theirs.”

Believers often hated the idea of death

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Martyred believers are specially honoured in Scripture

Revelation 12:11 NLT

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.

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