Topical Bible: The Death of Saints is Gain

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "The Death of Saints is Gain" finds its theological foundation primarily in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This concept is rooted in the Christian belief that physical death for believers is not an end but a transition to a more glorious existence with Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The key scriptural reference for this concept is found in Philippians 1:21, where Paul writes, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" . This verse encapsulates the Christian understanding that while life on earth is an opportunity to serve Christ, death brings the believer into a fuller communion with Him. Paul expresses a tension between his desire to continue his earthly ministry and his longing to be with Christ, which he considers "far better" (Philippians 1:23).

Theological Implications

1. Eternal Perspective: The death of saints is viewed through the lens of eternity. Believers are encouraged to adopt an eternal perspective, understanding that their true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This perspective provides comfort and hope, especially in the face of suffering and persecution.

2. Victory Over Death: The death of saints is seen as a victory rather than a defeat. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Paul declares, "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" . Through Christ's resurrection, death has lost its power, and believers share in this triumph.

3. Union with Christ: Death is the means by which believers enter into the immediate presence of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul expresses confidence, stating, "We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" . This union with Christ is the ultimate gain for the believer.

4. Hope and Comfort: The belief that death is gain provides profound comfort to those who mourn the loss of loved ones in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Paul encourages believers not to grieve as those without hope, for "we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him" .

Practical Applications

1. Encouragement in Suffering: Understanding that death is gain can embolden believers to endure trials and persecution. The assurance of eternal life with Christ empowers them to remain steadfast in their faith.

2. Motivation for Holy Living: The anticipation of being with Christ serves as a motivation for holy living. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, knowing that their ultimate reward is with the Lord.

3. Evangelistic Zeal: The hope of eternal life compels believers to share the gospel with others, desiring that they too may experience the gain of knowing Christ and the assurance of eternal life.

Historical and Doctrinal Context

Throughout church history, the concept that "The Death of Saints is Gain" has been a source of strength and encouragement for Christians facing martyrdom and persecution. Early church fathers, reformers, and countless believers have drawn comfort from this truth, viewing death not as a loss but as a passage to eternal glory.

In doctrinal terms, this belief is closely tied to the doctrines of resurrection and eternal life. It underscores the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and the promise of believers' future resurrection, as articulated in passages like 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4.

The phrase "The Death of Saints is Gain" continues to resonate within the Christian community, offering hope and assurance of the eternal inheritance that awaits those who are in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 1:21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Death of the Righteous
... [7] At death, the saints will gain a royal magnificent feast. ... Use two: If saints
gain such glorious things at death, well may they desire it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the death of the.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... [2] At death the saints shall be freed ... Though the apostle calls death the last enemy,
1 Corinthians 15:56, yet it is the best friend. To me to die is gain.'. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
... shalt there find all thy religious ancestors and children departed"yea, Christ,
and all his blessed saints and angels ... nay, is not death unto thee gain? ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/consolations against the fear of.htm

On the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29).
... was the first to assail the Christian name with a general persecution, as if God's
Grace could be quenched by the death of saints, whose greatest gain it was ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxxii on the feast.htm

Whether Souls are Conveyed to Heaven or Hell Immediately after ...
... some souls go down to hell immediately after death is evident ... it would be more
derogatory to the saints if the ... he answers: "Surely it will be a gain to them at ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether souls are conveyed to.htm

The Good Man's Life and Death
... The company of poor imperfect saints on earth is good; but how much better the society
of ... Death is no loss to us by way of friends. ... To die is gain." Poor corpse ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the good mans life and.htm

Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... And grace to understand what gain it were. ... The saints, sages, and saviors of all
time are they who ... Immortality which is independent of birth and death, and will ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/saints sages and saviors the.htm

That the Saints Lose Nothing in Losing Temporal Goods.
... Book I. Chapter 10."That the Saints Lose Nothing ... wealthy apostle said, "Godliness
with contentment is great gain. ... which he must shortly leave at his death. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 10 that the saints lose.htm

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ...
... from God that their prayers should be heard after death. ... the Saints should be fulfilled
what the Saints see that ... of Heaven should, if they can gain anything at ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/from the supplement to the.htm

Prison Meditations Directed to the Heart of Suffering Saints and ...
... Here come the angels, here come saints, Here comes the Spirit ... all must either die
for sin A death that's natural ... God's most holy Word doth say We gain thus much ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/prison meditations directed to the.htm