Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 9000 Last things » 9010 Death » 9020 death » 9022 death, of believers Believers in Jesus Christ will depart from this present life to the joy of God's presence. Death is a normal experience for believers Romans 14:8 See also Hebrews 9:27 Death can be a blessing Because of the prospect of heaven Philippians 1:21-23 See also Numbers 23:10; Psalm 49:15; Psalm 116:15; Luke 2:29; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 7:13-17; Revelation 14:13 Because it brings relief from trouble and problems 1 Kings 19:4; Job 3:20; Job 7:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7 At death believers are with Christ They are in his presence Luke 23:43 See also 2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:10 They are safe and secure Revelation 2:11 The second death is the final banishment of unbelievers from God's presence. See also Romans 14:8; Revelation 20:6 They have the prospect of a new order of things Revelation 21:4 See also 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 22:3-5 The defeat of death Death is vanquished for believers 1 Corinthians 15:55 See also Romans 8:36; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:14 Death is to be reversed in resurrection Though some of the above passages suggest that eternal life in Jesus Christ's presence is experienced immediately at death, others such as the following link these blessings with resurrection at the final coming of Jesus Christ: John 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 The death of believers is likened to sleep Implying rest, renewing and awaking Acts 7:59-60 Sleep does not imply lack of consciousness but rather rest, renewing and awaking. In the NT it is only used of believers. See also Deuteronomy 31:16; Daniel 12:2; Mark 5:39; John 11:11-14; Acts 13:36; 1 Corinthians 15:6,17-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 Implying peace and comfort Luke 16:22 Abraham's side suggests a welcome to a place of peace and protection. See also Genesis 49:33; 2 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 57:1-2; Luke 16:25 Death and the recognition of others 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “caught up together” implies recognition. See also Genesis 25:8 “gathered to his people” (literally “to his father's kin”) is a common OT expression and implies continued existence together; Job 3:13-14; Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:4; Luke 16:24; 1 Corinthians 13:12 Believers can face death without fear They die in relationship with God Hebrews 2:14-15 See also Psalm 23:4; Proverbs 14:32 They die trusting the Lord Hebrews 11:13,21-22 They receive comfort in facing death John 11:25-26 See also Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 1:18 In death they can glorify God In this believers are to be envied Believers often hated the idea of death See also Job 17:13-16; Psalm 9:13; Isaiah 38:10; Romans 8:36; 1 Corinthians 15:55-56; 2 Corinthians 4:11-12 Martyred believers are specially honoured in Scripture Revelation 12:11 See also Revelation 2:13 See also
2372 Christ, victory |
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