Since death is something we have not experienced yet, it is difficult to talk about it in words alone. The Holy Spirit uses many word pictures to help us see what lies ahead of us in terms of things we already do understand.
Death is compared to sleep.
Jesus used the word “sleep” when He spoke of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:11). Jesus well knew that Lazarus’ actual state was one of death. He simply chose to speak in softened terms. He wanted to emphasize the fact that Lazarus would awaken.
Luke, the author of Acts, uses this same idea in writing of the stoning of the first martyr, Stephen. The record says simply “… he fell asleep “ (Acts 7:60). The Apostle Paul, looking ahead to the sounding of the trumpet which will awaken all who have died in Christ, also holds out the hope that some of us may never “sleep” at all (1 Corinthians 15:51). This word “sleep” is used many times to show us that death brings release from care and anxiety-the cares and perplexities of this life are finished. And they are!
Death is considered a departure.
Paul wrote to Timothy, “The time of my departure has come” (1 Timothy 4:6). He used the Greek word “analusis” which sounds very much like our English word analysis It means to cut loose, to free someone from chains, to break camp, to raise anchor, or to dissolve a substance into its elements. Paul was really saying, “I am ready to cut the rope that ties me to this life, I am pulling up anchor in order to sail into a bigger world.” Paul rejoiced that his moorings were about to be loosed; he had fought a good fight of faith while living upon this Earth. He was ready for something better.
Death is really an exodus.
When the children of Israel left Egypt, they left a land of bondage and sorrow for something better. The only problem was that they did not know exactly what details this would involve. They had to trust the God who was leading them out, that He would also lead them into their inheritance. Peter was thinking of the similarities we face when called to leave this world and enter God’s eternal provisions for us. We face uncertainty as to detail but we know the character of our God. Peter wrote:
“Moreover, I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease [exodus] to have these things always in remembrance “(2 Peter 1:15).
Peter knew he would be leaving his earthly body behind very soon; but he was expectant. God had something wonderful planned for him at the end of his journey through death.
Death is “putting off the tabernacle.” (2 Peter 1:14).
If we used tents more often, this would readily bring something to mind. Paul and Peter both speak of this same idea: they will take down this earthly tent in order to receive a permanent dwelling place which is more suitable to their soul and spirit. Paul talks about being unclothed in order to be clothed upon with immortality. In other words, he has outgrown the need for these temporary earthly clothes and wants more suitable attire. Paul does not want to dispose of his earthly body in order to be naked; he simply wants to be ready for God’s new provision.
Death is going to “Abraham’s bosom.”
This was a familiar term of endearment to the Jews of Jesus’ time. It spoke not only of rest but of family belonging. This term referred to the condition of the righteous after death. Abraham was the founder of the Jewish nation-their father. To “lie in one’s bosom” referred to a custom at that time of reclining on couches to eat, propped up by one arm. Those closest to the host were considered in positions of honor-a place reserved only for special friends. To be in “Abraham’s bosom” spoke of honor, of fellowship, and of rest-enjoying a closeness to all who had preceded one in death.