Dictionary of Bible Themes Believers in Jesus Christ will depart from this present life to the joy of God's presence. Romans 14:8Death is a normal experience for believers See also Hebrews 9:27Philippians 1:21-23 Death can be a blessing See also Because of the prospect of heaven Numbers 23:10Psalms 49:15; 116:15 Luke 2:29 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Revelation 7:13-17; 14:13 1 Kings 19:4 Job 3:20; 7:15 Because it brings relief from trouble and problems 2 Thessalonians 1:7Luke 23:43 At death believers are with Christ See also They are in his presence 2 Corinthians 5:81 Thessalonians 5:10 Revelation 2:11 They are safe and secure See also Romans 14:8The second death is the final banishment of unbelievers from God's presence. Revelation 20:6Revelation 21:4 See also They have the prospect of a new order of things 2 Timothy 4:6-8Revelation 22:3-5 1 Corinthians 15:55 The defeat of death See also Death is vanquished for believers Romans 8:362 Timothy 1:10 Hebrews 2:14 Revelation 20:14 John 11:23 Death is to be reversed in resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:51-54Though 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: 1 Thessalonians 4:16Acts 7:59-60 The death of believers is likened to sleep Implying rest, renewing and awaking See also Deuteronomy 31:16Sleep does not imply lack of consciousness but rather rest, renewing and awaking. In the NT it is only used of believers. Daniel 12:2Mark 5:39 John 11:11-14 Acts 13:36 1 Corinthians 15:6,17-18 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 Luke 16:22 Implying peace and comfort See also Genesis 49:33Abraham's side suggests a welcome to a place of peace and protection. 2 Kings 22:20Isaiah 57:1-2 Luke 16:25 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Death and the recognition of others See also Genesis 25:8"caught up together" implies recognition. Job 3:13-14Matthew 17:4 "gathered to his people" (literally "to his father's kin") is a common OT expression and implies continued existence together Mark 9:4Luke 16:24 1 Corinthians 13:12 Hebrews 2:14-15 Believers can face death without fear See also They die in relationship with God Psalms 23:4Proverbs 14:32 Hebrews 11:13,21-22 They die trusting the Lord John 11:25-26See also They receive comfort in facing death Isaiah 25:81 Corinthians 15:26 Revelation 1:18 Philippians 1:20 In death they can glorify God Numbers 23:10In this believers are to be envied See also Believers often hated the idea of death Job 17:13-16Psalms 9:13 Isaiah 38:10 Romans 8:36 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 2 Corinthians 4:11-12 Revelation 12:11 Martyred believers are specially honoured in Scripture See also Revelation 2:13See also 2372 Christ, victory5061 sanctity of life 5537 sleeplessness 6644 eternal life 7908 baptism, significance 8451 mortification 8482 spiritual warfare 8755 folly 9310 resurrection 9420 book of life 9510 hell 9610 hope |
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