Differences
There are, though, some very great differences between the death-state of the Lord’s people and those who are not.
First, God’s attitude toward the two groups is in great contrast. Note the testimony of the Psalmist: “Precious in the sight of Jehovah is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). On the other hand, “As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11). The one is a recipient of the Lord’s goodness; the other, his severity (cf. Romans 2:4-11).
Second, for the righteous, death brings fellowship with Christ. Jesus informed the penitent thief, “Today you shall be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Again, Paul knew that his departure would enable him to be “with Christ” (Philippians 1:23), which was “very far better” than this earthly domain.
The apostle affirmed that to be “absent from the body” is to be “at home with [the Greek term pros literally means ‘face to face with’] the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). The wicked have no such hope. And why should they? They have rejected his fellowship in life; they will not enjoy it in death!
Third, for the faithful, death is a thrilling, blissful experience. “Blessed [literally, ‘happy’] are the dead who die in the Lord . . . they do rest from their labors” (Revelation 14:13). But the wicked know nothing except “trouble and sorrow” (Psalm 116:3), “affliction” (John. 2:2), “anguish” (Luke 16:25), and “punishment” (2 Pet. 2:9 – ASV).
Each of us – as rational, responsible human beings – has the option now of determining whether our death will be like the righteous or the wicked. There is one thing for certain, after death has taken us, there will be no changes in our destiny (cf. Matthew 25:1-13).
If you want to rest eternally, obey God through His gospel and live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10).
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