Dictionary of Bible Themes: 9022 death, of believers

9022 death, of believers

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

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

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

Philippians 1:20

In this believers are to be envied

Numbers 23:10

Believers often hated the idea of death

Martyred believers are specially honoured in Scripture

Revelation 12:11 See also Revelation 2:13