What does it mean that “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)?

Answer

Philippians 1:21 states, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” To grasp Paul’s message, we need to consider the context.

The book of Philippians consists of a letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. In this letter, Paul uplifts the church, offers guidance, outlines the Christian way of life, and more. At the start of chapter 1, Paul sends his greetings to the church, expressing his deep longing for them (Philippians 1:1-8). He then discusses his current imprisonment in Rome and seeks to reassure the church members (verses 12–14). Paul understands that his suffering has a purpose, which is to promote the message of Christ: “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (verse 12).

In Philippians 1:19–20, we find the background leading to Paul’s statement “to die is gain.” By this point, Paul had endured significant hardships during his missionary journeys. He had been physically attacked, scorned, shipwrecked, and was now imprisoned. Despite these challenges, Paul discovered joy in his tribulations, as they deepened his faith and enabled him to be a powerful witness for Christ. Paul’s primary aim was to preach and live out the Word of God, and these trials provided numerous opportunities for evangelism. He offered his body “as a living sacrifice” «I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. », (Romans 12:1) for the sake of God’s kingdom. Having faithfully persevered in the race set before him «Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, letLet us lay aside every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race set before us. (Hebrews 12:1). When Paul knew that God would be honored through both his life and his death (Philippians 1:19-20).

This leads us to Paul’s declaration, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” «For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. », (Philippians 1:21). As Christians, our entire lives are meant to bring glory to God, and Paul was confident that even in his suffering, he was achieving that purpose (“to live is Christ”). However, as indicated in the latter part of the verse, Paul understood that his death would also glorify God—not only that, but it would also be the moment when his faith would be realized, and he would dwell with his Savior eternally (“to die is gain”). Paul eagerly anticipated the day when death would bring him into the presence of Jesus (verse 23.)

All Christians sense the call of heaven and long for an eternity with Christ. Heaven will surpass our earthly existence, as we will be with our Savior in a realm free from sin, sickness, and death «we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. », (2 Corinthians 5:8). What we forfeit in life, we will gain in heaven. Until that moment arrives, our mission on Earth is to shine as a beacon of hope in a world overshadowed by sin and death «Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. », (Matthew 5:16). We lead a life of sacrifice to be certain,

Paul was convinced that even in our death, we will bring glory to Christ Jesus.