Good morning people who have the right view of natural death for a believer.
For many Christians, death is an enemy to be feared. And yet both Jesus and the apostle Paul said something very different.
Firstly, Paul said the following truth:
Philippians 1:21 NIV “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
He followed this up with an astounding statement:
Philippians 1:22-24 NIV If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Secondly, Jesus spoke about the many who will literally lose their lives for the sake of Christ:
Luke 12:4 NIV “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.”
Jesus is saying that if your body is killed, nothing more can be done to you if you are a follower of Christ! And He is effectively saying, “That’s all they can do! Therefore, don’t be afraid!”
My goodness me!
When our natural bodies perish, we literally enter into the eternal presence of God without any limitation or lack! The level of intimacy truly is another level!
May our view of death line up with God’s view for us as His sons and daughters.