1 Thessalonians 5:10

“Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him”

“Who died for us”: That is why salvation is "through Him". There is not any reason why the Christian should be discouraged or think that "it's no use". Jesus died for us! God wants us saved (2 Peter 3:9). God is not working against us, in fact, He is watching everything that happens to us, promising that we will never be put in. no-win situation (1 Corinthians 10:13). The root cause of those who end up lost will never be “I couldn't”, but rather, “I wouldn't”. “Whether we wake our sleep”: Are living or dead (1 Thessalonians 4:13). “We should”: “First aorist active subjunctive-- covering all life (now and hereafter)” (Robertson p. 36). Romans 14:8 “whether we live or die, we are the Lord's”.

Death does not separate the Christian from God (Luke 16:19 ff; 1 Peter 1:21). The Christian lives together with Christ right now (Galatians 2:20). But if death is. cessation of existence, then how do the Christian dead "live together with Him?" How can. non-existent person have. current relationship with God?

Death holds absolutely no victory over the believer. Death only improves ones relationship with God (1 Peter 1:21). It only moves one closer and not farther away. In no sense is it. disadvantage for the Christian.