I was always quite close to my Uncle Phil, so when he passed away, I grieved deeply. A few days after he was gone, a long-time mutual friend, Dr. Dorothy Jean Furlong, wrote these words to me, “Don’t think I’m hard-hearted, but I think sometimes believers need to remember Paul’s words ‘to die is gain.'” She was referring to a verse in the first chapter of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The verse says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (verse 21).

 

Now, don’t misunderstand; it’s normal to grieve when a friend or relative dies. When Lazarus died, even Jesus wept. But for those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, death is the friend who at the end-of-life ushers them into the presence of their Savior. In heaven we will forever be free from pain and suffering. No more tears, no more sorrow. Only the joy of being with Jesus and all our friends and loved ones who have gone ahead of us into His presence.

 

In the Bible, Mount Zion, in the city of Jerusalem, is often a picture of heaven. Isaiah wrote that the ransomed of the Lord “will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).

 

Everlasting joy—what a wonderful experience to look forward to. Often here on earth our joy is short-lived and sorrow seems to hang on and on. But in heaven, we will have joy and gladness that lasts forever and ever and ever. Paul is right. When you know Jesus as your Savior, to die is gain. If you’ve never done so, invite Him into your life today.