For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: — Philippians 1:23
Paul tells us plainly that he is “in a strait betwixt two.” He is pressed from both sides. On the one hand, he wants to continue serving Christ here below. On the other hand, he has a very real desire to depart, and to be with Christ.
The word depart carries the idea of loosening, as when a ship is loosed from its moorings and sets sail, or when a tent is taken down for a journey. Paul viewed death not as annihilation, but as departure. He would leave this world, but he would arrive somewhere better.
And where would he arrive? “To be with Christ.” That statement is precious. Paul does not describe an unconscious state. He does not describe a waiting room of the dead. He does not point to soul sleep or purgatory. He says plainly that to depart is to be with Christ. Compare that with 2 Corinthians 5:8: “absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” The believer leaves here and is present there.
Paul adds, “which is far better.” Not just better, but far better. Serving Christ is blessed. Bearing fruit for Him is sweet. Living for His glory is honorable. But being with Christ is sweeter still. Christ Himself is the believer’s heaven. Paul longed for the Person of Christ more than for relief from pain.
Paul tells us plainly that he is “in a strait betwixt two.” He is pressed from both sides. On the one hand, he wants to continue serving Christ here below. On the other hand, he has a very real desire to depart, and to be with Christ.
The word depart carries the idea of loosening, as when a ship is loosed from its moorings and sets sail, or when a tent is taken down for a journey. Paul viewed death not as annihilation, but as departure. He would leave this world, but he would arrive somewhere better.
And where would he arrive? “To be with Christ.” That statement is precious. Paul does not describe an unconscious state. He does not describe a waiting room of the dead. He does not point to soul sleep or purgatory. He says plainly that to depart is to be with Christ. Compare that with 2 Corinthians 5:8: “absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” The believer leaves here and is present there.
Paul adds, “which is far better.” Not just better, but far better. Serving Christ is blessed. Bearing fruit for Him is sweet. Living for His glory is honorable. But being with Christ is sweeter still. Christ Himself is the believer’s heaven. Paul longed for the Person of Christ more than for relief from pain.