To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain
“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness,
as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.”
— Philippians 1:19–26 (KJV)
Paul, imprisoned and uncertain about his earthly future, confesses his unwavering hope: Christ will be magnified in him whether by life or death. His joy is not in changing circumstances but in the unchanging Christ who strengthens and sustains him. The prayers of the church and the power of the Spirit give him confidence that even suffering will serve God’s glory.
Reflection
In this passage, Paul opens a window into the very heart of Christian hope. Though imprisoned, his confidence is unwavering: through the prayers of the church and the work of the Holy Spirit, even his suffering will serve the advance of salvation. His consuming ambition is simple yet profound—that Christ be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death.
Paul then delivers one of the most powerful statements in all of Scripture: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” These words redefine life and death. Life is not measured by personal achievement or comfort but by service to Christ. Death is not defeat but gain, for it ushers the believer into the presence of the Lord.
Yet Paul is torn between his desire to be with Christ and his sense of duty toward the Philippian believers. His love for the church compels him to continue in labor, knowing that his presence will strengthen their faith and joy in Christ. Here, we see a heart fully surrendered to God’s will—content to live or die, so long as Christ is glorified.
Supporting Scripture
- “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- “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)
- “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Application
This passage confronts us with a searching question: What defines our life? For Paul, life was Christ Himself. Everything else—career, possessions, even personal freedom—was secondary. To live for Christ means to embrace His purposes, to serve His people, and to walk daily by His Spirit.
And to die as gain reminds us that our true home is not here but in the presence of the Lord. Such a perspective liberates us from fear. It frees us to live boldly, to love sacrificially, and to endure suffering with hope. Like Paul, we can live with an open hand—ready either to serve faithfully in this world or to enter into the joy of our Savior.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make my life a vessel for Your glory. Teach me to live each day in joyful obedience, seeking not my own comfort but Your honor. Help me to hold this world loosely, knowing that my true gain is to be with You. Until that day, strengthen me to labor faithfully, that others may rejoice in You through my life. Amen.
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