To Live is Christ and to Die is Gain (Philippians 1:21)
Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”
Introduction
When Paul writes his letter to the Philippians, he’s not sitting comfortably at a desk in a well-lit study. He’s writing from prison, facing uncertainty about his future. Yet in these circumstances, Paul offers us a remarkable perspective: “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”
This verse, nestled in the middle of Paul’s letter, is one of the most famous in the New Testament. It holds deep theological meaning and, if we take time to sit with it, offers profound insight into how we can face our own struggles, suffering, and even the reality of death. Let’s dive into these words and explore the layers of their meaning.
Breakdown of Philippians 1:21 and Commentary
“For to me, living is Christ…”
First, we need to pause and reflect on what Paul is saying when he speaks about living. In the original Greek, the verb for “living” here isn’t just about existing. It speaks to the essence of life—our purpose and the reason we breathe. For Paul, living isn’t just about survival or getting through the motions. It is about Christ.
What does that mean for Paul, and by extension, for us? To live is to be consumed by Christ. It’s to dedicate every part of who we are—our time, our thoughts, our relationships, our work—to the glory of God. Christ is worth more than casual devotion. For Paul, Christ was not just the focus of his life; he was the purpose of his life. It wasn’t about achieving success, accumulating wealth, or pursuing personal desires. It was about Christ’s mission.
When we read this, we might be confronted by a challenge: How often do we live in a way that echoes Paul’s words? How often does our life reflect Christ? It’s easy to get distracted, even overwhelmed, by the demands of the world. Work, family, and the pressure of daily life can easily push upon us where we give less and less time to our faith formation. Yet Paul’s bold statement calls us to reframe our own lives—living not for ourselves but for Christ.
“and dying is gain.”
Now, let’s consider the second half of this verse. Paul doesn’t just say that dying is a gain. He says it’s gain. In the original Greek, this is a word that implies a substantial benefit, an increase, an advantage.
For most of us, death isn’t something we’d readily call a “gain.” We fear it. We try to avoid thinking about it. It’s the end of what we know, the loss of relationships, and a departure from life as we understand it. But for Paul, death is viewed through the lens of faith and hope.
Paul had such a profound relationship with Christ that death didn’t feel like a loss. Instead, it felt like an entry into something more. To die is to be with Christ, to experience the fullness of his presence. Paul viewed his earthly life as preparation for eternal life, where he would be with the Savior forever. This perspective of death as a gain isn’t morbid or depressing—it’s filled with hope.
So, when Paul says, “dying is gain,” he’s not minimizing the pain or loss that comes with death. He’s offering a perspective that transcends the fear and sorrow surrounding it. In Christ, death is not the final word. Instead, it is the gateway to something greater.
Living as Christ’s Ambassadors
Now, let’s ask ourselves: What does it mean to live for Christ in today’s world? What does it look like to live with Christ as the center of our being?
It’s easy to get lost in the distractions of life, but the gospel calls us to a different standard. Paul shows us that living for Christ means aligning our actions with Christ's purpose. That might look different for each of us depending on our unique calling, but there are core principles that remain the same.
Living for Christ means our lives are no longer our own. It means using our resources—our time, energy, and influence—to further God’s kingdom. It means reflecting Christ’s love to those around us, regardless of their status or beliefs. We’re not living for temporary pleasures or personal advancement. We’re living for the eternal joy of knowing Christ and making him known.
In the midst of our busyness, it’s vital to pause and reflect on this truth. Does the way we live reflect Christ’s purposes? Do we prioritize the things that matter to him? Living for Christ isn’t about perfection; it’s about devotion. It’s about waking up each day with a heart inclined to do his will, ready to serve, love, and reflect his light in a dark world.
Death as Gain: A Christian Perspective on Dying
As we move to the second half of Paul’s statement, it’s important to confront the reality of death. In our culture, death is often seen as a tragedy, something to be feared and avoided. We live in a world that seeks to deny death—through entertainment, distractions, and an emphasis on youth and vitality. But the truth is, death is inevitable for all of us.
For Paul, death wasn’t an enemy to fear, but a passage into something far greater. He viewed death as a return to the presence of Christ, where there would be no more suffering, no more sin, and no more separation. Death meant union with the Savior.
This doesn’t mean that we should be indifferent to death. We’re not called to long for it or wish it upon ourselves. But we are called to view it from the perspective of hope, knowing that through Christ, death has lost its sting. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:55, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
The Christian understanding of death is radically different from the world’s. While the world clings to life with fear, the Christian can face death with peace and anticipation, knowing that it ushers us into the presence of our Creator. As Paul continues in Philippians 1:23, he expresses a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. This is the same hope that we hold onto.
Philippians 1:21 Meaning for Today
What does this powerful verse mean for us today? Philippians 1:21 calls us to reorient our lives around Christ. It challenges us to ask ourselves, “What is the purpose of my life?” Is it for career success? Is it for comfort or happiness? Or is it, like Paul, to live fully for Christ?
This verse also invites us to reframe our view of death. As Christians, we do not need to fear death. While we may experience sorrow in parting with loved ones, we can take comfort in the hope of eternal life with Christ. Death is not the end; it is a transition into the fullness of God’s presence.
Living as Christ’s ambassadors in this world means we must continually focus on the eternal, rather than the temporal. We can have hope in the face of challenges, and we can face death with courage, knowing that to die is gain.
“For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.” These words of Paul challenge us to live radically different lives. They call us to live for something greater than ourselves, to live for Christ and His mission. They also remind us that death is not our final destination—it is a gateway to the eternal presence of God.
