Of all famous Bible passages, few are as well known and often quoted as Philippians 1:21 “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” But sadly, though it is common to commit this verse to memory, it is not so common to understand it. In order to understand this passage, we must ask three questions of Paul; what does that mean, why is that the case, and what does that look like in practice?
Firstly, regarding life, we are to live solely in humble service to our neighbours in joy and love. Death, on the other hand, is to be viewed not as the end of all good but as the end of all struggle, strife, and suffering. The book of Philippians is written by Paul during his imprisonment for the gospel. Throughout this text, he keeps coming back to the one solid concept of joy in the midst of suffering. This book follows a back and forth structure between grace received and grace reflected. Paul begins this letter by giving thanks for the salvation of the Philippian Christians. He is in prison but assures the hearers that this is serving for the furtherance of the gospel. There is no sign of concern in this text for his own suffering but only for the salvation of others. Paul’s challenge to us is that regardless of the circumstance we find ourselves in, our lives should revolve around the reception and the reflection of God’s grace in Christ Jesus. Precisely what Paul means when He says to live is Christ and to die is gain is this; live to show Christ to others in your works, your words, and your worship. Christ’s work in saving us was the highest form of humiliation in servitude towards His own assailants. In this same way, we are to live as Christ lived, entirely for the good of others out of the same voluntary love that Christ showed to us in His work for our salvation.
Secondly, the sole cause of this is the grace, mercy, and love, shown to us by Christ on the cross. The source of Paul’s joy and comfort is that His salvation was secured for Him at the cross. Paul neither deserved this nor wanted it, and yet Christ gave it to him at the cost of His flesh, His blood, His sweat, His tears, and even the torment of His soul. Therefore, being shown such grace press forward to walk in this same love that Christ has shown to you, as an ambassador and son of the most merciful God. Not out of obligation to the Law, but out of a free and pure love to our neighbour for the sake of Christ’s love to us.
Lastly, what does this look like in practice? In light of this reality, the Christian must rejoice in every circumstance. The peace of God given through Christ is greater than any anxiety, depression, or sorrow that could afflict us in this life. Living this out in practice means to accept Christ’s victory over sin, death, sickness, and hell, as yours, because it is for you. It is for you that He lived and it is for you that He died. And as Paul says throughout His body of work, you died with Christ, you were buried Christ, and you were resurrected with Christ. Death and suffering to the Christian is all joy. For in our suffering Christ is magnified in our flesh. In our death, we are brought nearer to Him that first loved us.
In summary, Paul’s message for the Philippian church regarding living in light of eternity is one that is focused upon faith, hope, and love. It is by faith that we obtain righteousness in Christ and are adopted as sons of the Father. This faith brings forth the hope of a blessed and eternal union with the Triune God that surpasses the bounds of death itself. Walking by this faith and gaining this eternal hope we are to live no longer for ourselves, but for others, living as ambassadors, and sons of the king of love, the most merciful and gracious God.
