“…TO LIVE IS CHRIST and TO DIE IS GAIN…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…so that through my being with you…your boasting in Christ Jesus will flourish on account of me.” (Phil. 1:21-27)
Paul says, “shall I live or shall I die?” If I continue to live it will be to preach Jesus Christ, if I die, I then I can finally be with Him… Thanatophobia, or “fear of death,” affects millions of people worldwide. But, should it affect Christians?
The writer of Hebrews said: “Since the children have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might BREAK THE POWER of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those WHO ALL THEIR LIVES WERE HELD IN SLAVERY BY THEIR FEAR OF DEATH.” (Heb. 2:14-15) “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” But thanks be to God! HE GIVES US THE VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corin. 15:54-57)
TO LIVE IS CHRIST WITH VICTORY OVER THE POWER OF DEATH…
-Bill Stockham