In the New Testament book of Philippians, the apostle Paul writes in verse twenty one “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” The letter in which this statement is written is addressed to the church in the city of Philippi. Philippi was located on the great Egnation Way in Macedonia, which was essentially a highway from Rome to Byzantium, which today is Istanbul. The Roman colony was often a stopping point for traders from the east and west travelling to these major cities, and it is believed that because of that reason Philippi was a strategic place to spread the gospel.

How many of these traders heard “to live is Christ and to die is gain” and wondered what in the world that meant? What exactly is life if it “is Christ” and how could anyone gain from dying?

The thing I love about this verse is how simply, and profoundly it speaks to the heart.

Life is Christ. Dying is considered a gain. But dying is only considered a gain if your life is already in Christ.

Ephesians 2:1-5 lays it out.

Verses 1 & 2 state “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit is now at work in those who are disobedient.” This death is the furthest thing from gain. These sins that we were dead to alienate us from our creator forever because a holy God must judge sin. That lands us in Hell, a real place defined as a location being in separation from God.

3-5 go on to explain that “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.” The ways of this fallen world are to gratify the cravings of our sinful nature which is opposite of the Holy Spirit. Continuing to quench the thirst of our flesh would only result in the complete lack of ever having life at all. However, the reconciliation with Jesus takes place when someone recognizes, and confesses their sin to the King of Kings and is cleansed by his death and resurrection on the cross. As verse 5 states, the death of Jesus Christ is the definition of grace…it isn’t something anyone can do for themselves! It is by his sovereign choice. This is where life, purpose, truth and wholeness all meet in the new heart that Jesus has placed within his new child. Broken people are made whole, and he loves us back to life. Our physical death now only holds earthly implications because by holding to Jesus’s promises in faith, our spirit is sealed with Christ and will never perish but live eternally in fellowship with him!

The short, strong, and simple reminder of what life is all about brings a great peace to my soul deep down, and inspires me to pursue him more and more. A love so undeserving, yet given to us so abundantly. A love where he doesn’t only accept us where we are, he also wants every ounce of our hearts so he cleanses our hearts from sin by conviction and repentance. A love where he all of our needs are met, and hardships are not went through for nothing. A love where he promises us more than we can imagine for ourselves, and only requires that we hold to these things by faith and trust in him. A love where we get to spend forever with him in that other real place called Heaven.

Now that’s something that would have gotten the attention of a few traders making their way to Rome.