LIVING AND DYING WITH CHRIST
The Bible tells believers: “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16).
A BELIEVER DYING WITH CHRIST
Two criminals were crucified beside Jesus Christ, when he was dying the sins of all whoever would believe in his atonement for their sins. One of the criminals selfishly said, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. ”Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43).
A BELIEVER LIVING WITH CHRIST WITHIN
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of suffering (Hebrews 2:10); however, he chose the apostle Paul to be an example of suffering on his behalf for his church or body of believers (Acts 9:1-19):
Paul Commented: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
The apostle said, “Through Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things” (Philippians 4:13).
Comparing his suffering with the sufferings of others, the apostle humbly said:
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods …Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (2 Corinthians 11:23-29).
Paul concluded: To live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8)
BELIEVERS NOW HAVE ABUNDANT LIFE LIVING AND DYING WITH CHRIST
As Jesus’ body of believers in whom his Spirit lives, we should follow the positive examples he and others left on record in the Bible. For in doing this through his Spirit, we gain abundant life on earth, and eternal life with Christ in heaven (John 10:10; John 14:3)
