Grace Audio Treasures

Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." The apostle Paul saw his entire existence through the lens of his Savior. If he lived, it was for Christ's glory; if he died, it was for Christ's presence. Either way, he was wholly surrendered to Christ! Christ was the source, the substance, and the goal of his life."To live is Christ." What does this mean? It means that Christ is the purpose of our lives, the joy of our hearts, and the strength of our souls. Whether in trials or triumphs, in sorrows or joys, Christ is the center of all we do. Our lives are not our own--they are His! To a man who lives for Christ, nothing is secular--everything is sacred. To draw nearer to Christ is his life's ambition; to glorify Christ is his daily business; to live for Christ is his greatest joy.But then Paul adds, "to die is gain." How can death--the dreaded enemy of mankind--be gain? To the world, death is the worst possible loss--it is the end of all earthly hopes and dreams. But for the believer, dea