The phrase “to die is gain” comes from Philippians 1:21, where Paul writes: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This verse has prompted much discussion over what exactly Paul meant when he said that to die is gain.
To understand this phrase, it’s important to look at the context. Philippians 1 starts with Paul expressing his gratitude for the Philippian church and his prayers for their continued spiritual growth. He then explains that although he is imprisoned, he is still able to advance the gospel through his circumstances. He states that some preach Christ out of envy or rivalry, but others out of goodwill. Regardless of others’ motives, Paul rejoices that Christ is proclaimed (Philippians 1:12-18).
Paul then writes the key verse – “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The subsequent verses provide insight into his meaning. Paul says that if he lives, he gets to continue his fruitful labor. Yet he is hard pressed between the desire to depart and be with Christ, which he says is far better. But he knows that it is more necessary for the Philippians if he remains (Philippians 1:22-24).
Looking at the context, we see that Paul is weighing his desire to be with Christ in heaven against the need for him to continue proclaiming the gospel on earth. For Paul, living meant fulfilling God’s purpose, bringing glory to Christ through his ministry. But death would free him to be in Christ’s presence – a better outcome for Paul personally.
So what does Paul mean when he says “to die is gain”? Here are some key points:
- He is not saying death itself is good – the Bible consistently presents death as an enemy.
- Rather, Paul is comparing death to the purpose of life. For him, death would be “gain” compared to the noble purpose of living for Christ.
- Death would allow him to be with Christ, which is “far better” than even his fruitful ministry.
- “Gain” means Paul saw death as personally advantageous – he would no longer be separated from Christ.
- Paul knew his ministry still benefitted the Philippians, so he concluded remaining was more needful for them.
In summary, “to die is gain” means Paul saw death as a welcome release to be with his Savior – better for him than even his God-given ministry. But since the Philippians still needed him, he was willing to remain on earth for their benefit.
The biblical view of death
To better grasp Paul’s perspective, it helps to understand the biblical view of death. Scripture teaches that:
- Death entered the world through human sin and separation from God (Genesis 2:17, 3:19; Romans 5:12).
- Death is unnatural and an enemy, not part of God’s original perfect creation (1 Corinthians 15:26).
- Jesus came to save people from sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:10).
- Those united to Christ die and rise with Him and will live forever (Romans 6:8; John 11:25-26).
- For believers, physical death liberates the soul from the sins and pains of this fallen world (Revelation 21:4).
- Eternal life with Jesus is a gain compared to current suffering (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1).
- Nonetheless, while on earth we should live abundantly doing God’s work (John 10:10).
This biblical perspective helps make sense of Paul’s statement. Death and separation from God are evil. But in Christ, death for the believer liberates from suffering and ushers into God’s presence.
Paul’s heavenly focus
Paul often expressed a sense of longing for heaven and being with Jesus.
- “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23).
- “We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord…and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6, 8).
Paul knew his future held resurrection and eternal heavenly joy. He kept his mind and hope fixed there:
- “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
- “We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away…our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).
- “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
Paul saw death as the gateway to heavenly glory. No more affliction or persecution could touch him. He would gain the immediate presence of Christ and the perfection of resurrection life.
Personal preference, not universal longing
Importantly, Paul does not say every believer should long for death or claim that his own desire for heaven was necessarily God’s will:
- “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15).
- “No one knows the day or hour…” (Matthew 24:36).
Paul recognized continuing to live could also bring fruit for the gospel. His personal yearning for heaven did not negate the purpose God might still have for him on earth. He was willing to live or die according to God’s plan.
Paul later writes from prison to the Philippians again. He plans to send Timothy to check on them, hopeing to be released and see them himself (Philippians 2:19-24). He still saw purpose in living longer.
Thus, while he preferred heavenly gain to his toils on earth, Paul submitted his personal desires to God’s will.
A model response
Paul models maturity in Christ. He achieves balance between longing for heaven and fulfilling his calling. His mindset offers important instruction for believers today regarding death and dying:
- Look hopefully toward eternal life – Set affections on Christ and resurrection glory, not earthly possessions or comforts (Colossians 3:2).
- Rejoice in heavenly citizenship – The best is yet to come for believers (Revelation 21:3-4).
- Value spiritual enrichment over physical ease – What happens after death is more important than comfort now (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
- Embrace God’s appointed tasks – Make the most of opportunities to serve God’s purposes while awaiting Christ’s return (Matthew 24:45-46).
- Submit personal desires to God’s will – Since God decides our days, seek to honor Him in life or death (James 4:13-15).
In his classic work The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis wrote:
It is hard to have patience with those Jeremiahs…who warn us that we may learn to love death. That love may certainly be cultivated. Some have achieved it with extraordinary success. But fortunately most men do still fear death; despite legends to the contrary…But to be afraid of death as simply death, on its own proper level, is a clear sign to anyone spiritually alive that in him fear of death means really, fear of losing God…Better fear death as the most terrible physical evil than try to … come to terms with death as a friend.
Paul avoided Lewis’ caution. He didn’t aim to love death itself. Rather, his affections were set on Christ. He yearned to depart the evils of this life to gain that surpassing treasure.
Our hope in Christ
For believers in Jesus, death indeed leads to gain – the infinite gain of God’s glorious presence. Paul’s words remind us that the best is yet to come. While we still have breath, we can live fruitfully, knowing:
- Jesus conquered sin and death, delivering us from its ultimate power (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
- God promises to raise our transformed bodies to live forever with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
- When absent from the body, we are at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).
- The sufferings of this life are light and momentary compared to eternal life in heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17).
As Charles Wesley wrote in his glorious hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” because of the resurrection we can say:
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Like Paul, we can live with our eyes fixed on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). His resurrection guarantees ours. The day is coming when we will see Him face to face. To die in Christ is indeed gain.
