Do You Have An Incorrect View of Death?

I have noticed that many Christians have—from a biblical perspective—an incorrect view of death.

Death is, of course, sad and unpleasant. The circumstances which result in death can be terrible, tragic, senseless and evil. I am not trying to minimize the genuine grief which accompanies the death of people we know and care about.

Jesus wept at the news that his friend, Lazarus, had died.

Death is referred to in the Bible as an “enemy.” (1 Cor. 15:26)

So, I am not trying to promote the strange idea that death is insignificant or that we might consider it to be fun.

Death is significant and it is not fun. It is sorrowful. Quite frankly, I do not like death. And I’m pretty confident everyone reading this would agree.

However, when I write that many Christians have an incorrect view of death I am suggesting that far too many Christians understand death to be the worst thing that could ever happen.

This is not true.

By the way, please know I am directing this note to myself, as well. I have sometimes fallen into this incorrect type of thinking. So, I will write this for my own sake: As a follower of Jesus it is important for ME to remember that physical death is not the worst thing that could ever happen.

The biblical view is that physical death involves a transition to another realm. Existence does not end. In fact, according to the Bible, the existence of the follower of Jesus is improved and enhanced after we pass into the next realm.

The Apostle Paul addressed the issue of life and death contrasting the two options and wrote, “I’m torn between the two desires: I long to go and be with Christ [physical death] which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” (Phil. 1:23-24)

Did you actually process that passage from Philippians chapter 1? Paul considered the option of physical death to be “far better.” How in the world could death be far better? Is he out of his mind?!? 

No. Paul could consider it to be better because physical death involved being with Jesus in a more direct and tangible manner. That is an extraordinary view. But it also represents the correct biblical view.

To leave this physical realm is simply to be present with Jesus in the next realm. (Check out 2 Corinthians 5:8.)

Again, those of us who remain behind will be sad. We will grieve. We will miss the person who is gone. But we should not understand the person’s death to be the worst thing that could ever happen because that is not true.

You might be thinking, “Why are you even writing this, Dan? This is a morose topic. Are you trying to make everyone sad? Why does this matter?”

I’m writing this because I have recently experienced the loss of a friend and I currently have some other friends who are dealing with serious life-threatening illness so the reality of death is on my mind.

I am writing this because I see some people I care about who have a biblically incorrect view of death and it is resulting in a degree of anguish and fear which is unnecessary. I wish this were not the case.

I am writing this because I see some other people I care about who are walking with Jesus in such a way that the idea of death—though sad—is nevertheless honestly viewed with an ultimate peace, assurance and hope rather than despair! This is remarkable and it is good.

I am writing this because whether we acknowledge it or whether we try to ignore it this is an issue which personally and directly impacts 100% of us.

I am writing this because expressing my thoughts in writing can be somewhat therapeutic for me. It can help me to clarify what I really believe. It can help me sort out the jumble of feelings I am experiencing.

I am writing this because I hope it might provide some small measure of help to you.

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1, NLT