This past Saturday, a dear family friend passed away. We mourn with his family at their loss and yet we rejoice with him at his gain. He is finally experiencing what Paul knew to be true when he stated “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Why is death gain?

Death is not always gain. The Scriptures tell us that there are two places where one can go after death: with Christ or apart from Him (in hell). The Scriptures also tell us that you must choose during your lifetime where you will spend eternity (John 3:16). Every person on earth has a problem: we have broken God’s law. This is called sin (Romans 3:23). Sin violates God’s holy nature (Revelation 4:8) and means that we cannot spend eternity with Him (Romans 6:23). Mankind was not intended for hell, but it becomes man’s just dwelling because of sin (Matthew 25:41). Hell is separation from God. However, God loved us so much that He prepared a means of forgiveness through His Son, Jesus (John 3:16). Those who admit their sin to Him and and ask for forgiveness will be saved from their sin (Romans 10:13). Death is gain for those who have been forgiven because it means eternal unity with Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:23).

Would I like to be with Christ?

If you love serving yourself, then you would hate eternity with Christ. Heaven isn’t about you. Does this statement surprise you?

Being with Christ is a byproduct of salvation. Christ forgives men from sin to transform their lives (Titus 2:11-14). The sin-forgiven man should act like Christ, thus the term “christian.” Christians are saved from sin and should no longer enjoy things that displease God (Titus 2:12, 14). Christians are to live in wisdom, righteousness, and godliness (Titus 2:12) for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). At death, we no longer feel the urge to sin (Romans 6:7) and are therefore free to serve Christ (Romans 6:18)! If you love serving Christ, then you will love being with Him forever!

What will we do in eternity?

1. We will serve Him (Revelation 22:3). As we focused on in the last section, heaven allows perfect service. We are freed from sinful desires and can fulfill our created purpose of glorifying our wonderful Creator. There are many aspects to our service. Rather than going into all of them, let me challenge you to post your favorite part of anticipated service as a comment below (include scriptural support).
2. We will see God’s face (Revelation 22:4). Even Moses was denied the privilege of seeing God’s face here on earth (Exodus 33:20, 23). Yet, it is the privilege of every servant in eternity to see God’s face. Scripture also tells us that seeing God for who He is will make us imitate Him (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2). In eternity we have full access to our Creator!
3. We will reign (Revelation 22:5). This does not mean that we will reign over others, but rather it anticipates our exaltation. God exalts His faithful servants (James 4:10)! In eternity, we will be eternally exalted!

Application

• Accept God’s gift of salvation.
• Live to serve God.