For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 NIV
Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21 stand as a bold declaration of faith and purpose. Written from a prison cell, not a place of ease or safety, this statement invites us to reflect deeply on our own lives. What do we truly live for? And are we prepared to view death not with fear, but with hope?
When Paul said, “To live is Christ,” he meant that every part of his life—his thoughts, actions, work, and relationships—belonged to Jesus. Even his trade as a tentmaker served a greater purpose: enabling him to preach the gospel. Paul didn’t chase after personal comfort, success, or human praise. His aim was singular and clear: to honour Christ with every breath.
This level of surrender may seem extreme, yet it is the life we’re all called to live. Paul’s devotion shows us what it means to live not for ourselves, but for the One who died and rose again for us.
The second half of Paul’s declaration, “to die is gain,” reveals a profound hope that transcends this world. To many, death represents loss. But Paul viewed death through a different lens. For him, it wasn’t the end—it was the doorway into eternal joy with Christ. Death could not steal from him; it could only complete his journey.
In contrast to a world that fears death, Paul’s assurance is striking. His confidence wasn’t rooted in blind optimism, but in a clear understanding of who Jesus is and what awaits beyond this life. Death, when faced for Christ or with Christ, is not defeat—it’s gain. It’s reward. It’s glory.
This same conviction echoed in the life and death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As stones rained upon him, Stephen lifted his eyes and saw the heavens open, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55–56). Even in death, Stephen’s vision and declaration bore witness to the same truth: everything I do I live for Christ, and if I die because of Christ, it is gain to me.
Paul reaffirmed this perspective in Acts 20:24, where he said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” His mission was not survival but faithfulness. Paul didn’t fear hardship; he feared failing to honour Christ.
Ultimately, this way of living finds its greatest expression in Jesus Himself. In John 10:17–18, Jesus said, “I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Christ freely gave His life in perfect obedience to the Father, showing us that the path to true life is found in surrender, not self-preservation.
Paul’s words are more than theology—they are a challenge to us today. Can we say, with honesty and conviction, that our lives are fully centred on Christ? Do we see each day as an opportunity to reflect His love, and each hardship as a moment to trust Him deeper? Are we willing to follow Him in life and in death, knowing that both lead to Him?
This perspective changes everything. Work becomes worship. Relationships become ministry. Suffering becomes a pathway to deeper intimacy with God. Death loses its sting, because what lies beyond is far greater than anything we leave behind.
If we truly believe that to live is Christ, then every day becomes a gift to serve and glorify Him. And if to die is gain, then we face the future with fearless faith, knowing our final breath here will be our first with Him in glory.
May we, like Paul, live with this unwavering focus. May our lives and our deaths proclaim the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Let us live surrendered, and die fulfilled—because everything we are, and everything we do, belongs to Him.
Living It Out
Spend time today reflecting on what it means to truly live for Christ. Ask yourself: Is Jesus the centre of everything I do? Am I living with an eternal perspective, or just for the moment? What would it look like to surrender every part of my life to Him?
Pray for the courage to live boldly and the faith to trust Him completely—both in life and in death.