“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." —Philippians 1:21

The history of Christianity is marked by many heroes of the faith who lived Philippians 1:21. Fervent in faith, many believers forsook the temporary shell of humanity to attain a far better eternity with Christ. The testimony of Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, and Nate Saint, who risked their lives to share the gospel among the Ecuador Quechua Indians, is one such example. Loving the gospel more than their own flesh, they laid down their lives at the feet of God’s will. How could mere men possess such zeal for the redemption of others even under the threat of death? They were firmly committed to the Scriptures and consumed with giving glory to Christ. Expressing their convictions, Jim Elliot penned these well-known words in his journal on October 28, 1949, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Hugh Latimer was a Protestant bishop who lost his life at the stake. Queen Mary, seeking to force Roman Catholicism on all British citizens, carried out brutal executions against those who dared to defy her. Because Latimer continued to share his faith and teach biblical salvation, he was charged as a heretic and burned at the stake alongside fellow bishop Nicholas Ridley in 1555. As the pyre was lit and the crowd looked on, Latimer turned to his colleague and heartened him by saying, “Be of good cheer, master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle in England, as I hope, by God’s grace, shall never be put out.” Today, their testimony continues to encourage others to live for Christ and embrace death as the Christian’s greatest gain.

Hebrews 11 details the many ways believers were persecuted for their faith. Each was of a single mind and a single heart as they longed for heaven more than they desired to save their own skin. Hebrews 11:35–37 explains, “Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.”

These and countless others throughout history and even today demonstrated an unwavering belief, agreeing with the apostle Paul that the focus of the Christian life is to magnify Christ, and to die is gain. Can we say that we are counted among these?

For Me to Live Is Christ

Paul preached for the glory of Christ, endured shipwrecks for His glory, and started churches for His glory. Whether explaining the details of the gospel to a crowd or witnessing to a guard in prison, everything about his life found its purpose and meaning in Jesus Christ.

For the Christian, every day should be centered on Jesus. Each day is a gift from the Lord and an invitation to make much of the Lord. Success in this life can never be measured in bank accounts, social media followers, or awards. The only achievement that matters is what is accomplished for the glory of God (Matthew 5:16). To say “to live is Christ” is to say that our life’s ambition is focused on Jesus.

Our goal should be to maximize each day by growing in the knowledge of Christ and helping others to do the same.

To Die Is Gain

The first part of Paul’s assertion is an assignment most believers can carry out with enthusiasm! Yes, we can focus on Christ! We wear t-shirts about living for Christ, we sing songs about living for Christ….we are comfortable agreeing with Paul on this matter. With spiritual maturity comes the desire to see Christ increase as we decrease. But… can we truly say that death is gain? Jesus told His followers to “rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). Death is gain when Jesus is viewed as a precious possession. Death loses its sting when it is recognized as the doorway into the presence of the One for whom we have been longing.

As sojourners on this earth, Christians are always out of step with this world. That is not to say that we don’t enjoy many pleasures; indeed, we do! Our goals, however, should be markedly different. Time should be spent differently, times of celebration and mourning should be different because, for each follower of Christ, there is an understanding that we are never truly at home while in this world. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul encouraged believers with these words, “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” Dying is gain not only because we receive our eternal rewards, but because we are finally at home. What is it that makes heaven, home? Streets of gold? Pearly gates? The Bible promises those things to be certain. But heaven is home because we will be with the Lord. Heaven is not our home because of the grandeur it possesses, but because we will be united with Christ at last! Death is gain because, in our dying, we are welcomed home to be with Jesus, and there is no sweeter promise for a Christian.