Death... Is it the Same for Christians and Non-Christians?

Similarities

In a number of ways, death is identical for both the good and the bad.

First, death is the inevitable fate for all (except that final generation which witnesses the return of Christ - cf. 1 Cor. 15:51). Scripture declares that as a consequence of Adam’s transgression, death comes to all (Rom. 5:12). Indeed: “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment” (Heb. 9:27).

Second, the uncertainty as to the time of death is common to all classes of humanity. Death can take us at any stage of life - infancy, adolescence, in the prime of life, or in the advanced years. Death may come with a leap, or with a crawl. It comes, though, and comes to all!

Third, for both the prepared and the unprepared, death is the same physical phenomenon. Physical death is that inanimate state of the body that results when the spirit (that part of man that is in the image of God - Gen. 1:26) has departed from its earthly tabernacle. James gives a clear definition of death when he says, “the body apart from the spirit is dead” (2:26).

Paul speaks of death as a departure when he writes of having the “desire to depart and be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). Again, the apostle recognizes the possibility of human existence “apart from the body” (2 Cor. 12:2,3), which would necessitate the body’s death. And so, physically speaking, the righteous and the wicked die in precisely the same fashion.

Fourth, the Bible teaches that both the godly and the ungodly are conscious after death. In fact, the Scriptures do not suggest that death causes any change in the composition or nature of the human spirit. In the narrative concerning Lazarus and the rich man, both, after death, were quite aware of their condition and environment. The one was comforted and the other was in anguish (cf. Lk. 16:25).

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” (Psa. 116:15). On the other hand, “As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezek. 33:11). The one is a recipient of the Lord’s goodness; the other, his severity (cf. Rom. 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” (Lk. 23:43). Again, Paul knew that his departure would enable him to be “with Christ” (Phil. 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 Cor. 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” (Rev. 14:13). But the wicked know nothing except “trouble and sorrow” (Psa. 116:3), “affliction” (Jon. 2:2), “anguish” (Lk. 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. Mt. 25:1-13).

If you want to rest eternally, obey God through His gospel and live faithfully unto death (Rev.2:10).

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