Death of believers

Death is a normal experience for believers

Romans 14:8 KJV 1900

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.

See also Heb 9:27

Death can be a blessing

Because of the prospect of heaven

Philippians 1:21–23 KJV 1900

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

See also Nu 23:10; Ps 49:15; Ps 116:15; Lk 2:29; 2 Ti 4:6–8; Re 7:13–17; Re 14:13

Because it brings relief from trouble and problems

1 Ki 19:4; Job 3:20; Job 7:15; 2 Th 1:7

At death believers are with Christ

They are in his presence

Luke 23:43 KJV 1900

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

See also 2 Co 5:8; 1 Th 5:10

They are safe and secure

Re 2:11 The second death is the final banishment of unbelievers from God’s presence.

See also Ro 14:8; Re 20:6

They have the prospect of a new order of things

Revelation 21:4 KJV 1900

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.

See also 2 Ti 4:6–8; Re 22:3–5

The defeat of death

Death is vanquished for believers

1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV 1900

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

See also Ro 8:36; 2 Ti 1:10; Heb 2:14; Re 20:14

Death is to be reversed in resurrection

The death of believers is likened to sleep

Implying rest, renewing and awaking

Ac 7:59–60 Sleep does not imply lack of consciousness but rather rest, renewing and awaking. In the NT it is only used of believers.

See also Dt 31:16; Da 12:2; Mk 5:39; Jn 11:11–14; Ac 13:36; 1 Co 15:6; 1 Co 15:17–18; 1 Th 4:13–16

Implying peace and comfort

Lk 16:22 Abraham’s side suggests a welcome to a place of peace and protection.

See also Ge 49:33; 2 Ki 22:20; Is 57:1–2; Lk 16:25

Death and the recognition of others

1 Th 4:17 “caught up together” implies recognition.

See also Ge 25:8 “gathered to his people” (literally “to his father’s kin”) is a common OT expression and implies continued existence together; Job 3:13–14; Mt 17:4; Mk 9:4; Lk 16:24; 1 Co 13:12

Believers can face death without fear

They die in relationship with God

Hebrews 2:14–15 KJV 1900

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; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

See also Ps 23:4; Pr 14:32

They die trusting the Lord

Heb 11:13; Heb 11:21–22

They receive comfort in facing death

John 11:25–26 KJV 1900

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

See also Is 25:8; 1 Co 15:26; Re 1:18

In death they can glorify God

Philippians 1:20 KJV 1900

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

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

Job 17:13–16; Ps 9:13; Is 38:10; Ro 8:36; 1 Co 15:55–56; 2 Co 4:11–12

Martyred believers are specially honoured in Scripture

Revelation 12:11 KJV 1900

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.

See also Re 2:13