Paul saw his life inextricably bound up in Jesus Christ ...
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
In the first half of this brief yet profound statement, we find that ...
1. Paul was absolutely absorbed by the presence of Christ.
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, Philippians 3:8
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, Philippians 3:8
2. He was utterly dependent upon the power of Christ.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
3. He was completely abandoned to the program of Christ.
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Col 1:28,29.
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Col 1:28,29.
4. And he was steadfastly devoted to the person of Christ.
Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed. Romans 15:17-18.
Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed. Romans 15:17-18.
'To die is gain' is the second part of the statement. For Paul, death was seen as the 'entrance' to life ... not the 'exit' from it.
The unsaved man sees death as the ultimate 'end', the termination of everything for which he lived ... a total 'loss'. But for the followers of Christ, death is 'gain'. To the reprobate mind, this sounds like pure folly. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Nowhere in Scripture does it say that you will cease to exist when bodily death comes. Your soul will continue on through eternity and you will be conscious of your fate. Make sure that your destination is heaven ...
Confess your need for forgiveness and surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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