October 2, 2026
American filmmaker, actor, and comedian Woody Allen once said, “It’s not that I’m afraid to die. I just don’t want to be around when it happens.” The fact is, he will be there when it happens. So will you. So will I.
For the unbeliever, it’s going to be an extremely unfortunate transition. Their last breath on earth followed up with immediate entrance into hell -the lake of fire, the second death.
For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and experienced salvation, things couldn’t be better. Like the thief on the cross, we’ll experience instantaneous transport to heaven. There we will encounter, face to face, the One who gave His life for us.
No wonder the apostle Paul said, ”To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NASB). The Psalmist penned, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” (116:15 NASB).
Perhaps, however, nothing describes death for the believer more favorably than what John heard while exiled on the patmon. “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, 'Write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ‘Yes’, says the Spirit, ‘so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.’” (Revelation 14:13 NASB). In addition to the glorious worship, fabulous family reunion, and unprecedented beauty, note two additional realities spelled out in this verse.
Rest- Whether spiritually or physically, wherever I go, whomever I encounter, it seems people are tired. The daily doing of life has worn them down.
Jesus had this in mind 2000 years ago when He said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28,29 NASB).
We receive a deposit, a down payment on such rest, the moment we are saved and become citizens of heaven. Ultimate, permanent rest won’t come, however, until we transition from time to eternity.
Reward- Many aren’t comfortable thinking of heaven in terms of rewards. After all, what more could we ask for than knowing we are saved and will spend eternity with Jesus. And yet, the Bible speaks clearly on the subject.
Take the phrase, “their deeds will follow them.” Although we obviously aren’t saved by such works, they are being recorded (Revelation 20:12) and will be recompensed (Matthew 10:42).
For example, the two faithful servants in the parable of the talents heard, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21 NASB). In this verse, two specific rewards are addressed: praise and increased responsibility.
Add to that five crowns that are also mentioned in the New Testament: Incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25), Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19), Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), Glory (1 Peter 5:2-4), and Life (James 1:12).
Of course, saints won’t be parading down streets of gold exhibiting these crowns, or displaying any such rewards received in their mansion trophy cases. Rather, as it was with the twenty-four elders, they will be placed before the throne of God, followed by expressions of worship (Revelation 4:10-11).
Look again at the first half of Paul’s words to the Philippians: “To live is Christ.” If you’re reading this verse, you’re breathing on this earth, which means the Lord still has work for you to do. Just make sure you’re prepared for death. It’s at that precious moment in the sight of God that you’ll be more alive than ever.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
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