Why are Christians, who know they are saved, afraid to die?

There is a natural fear of dying. It might be a fear of facing death alone or of the suffering which may precede death or of the unknown. We have Scriptures and God’s promises to face all fears! 

First remember: God is with us always, even in illness and death. He promised in Joshua 1:5 (NIV) "I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He will never allow a situation which is “beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV). However, some may fear the unknown aspect of death, so it is important to learn what the Bible teaches. Death is described like a dreamless sleep in Psalm 13:3. “for the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing”; “in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:5 and 10 (NIV). 

Furthermore, we have the blessed promise that all will awake from this sleep in the resurrection. “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 (NIV). And we know that Jesus has won the victory over death according 1 Corinthians 15:54 “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 

Additionally, consecrated Christians hope to have part in the first resurrection as described in Revelation 20:6 (KJV): “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years”. (The rest of mankind who will be resurrected on earth during Christ’s kingdom.) We will only receive this first resurrection honor by staying faithful. Revelation 2:10 (KJV), “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”. 

Perhaps some Christians are fearful that they were not faithful enough. They wonder if they really gave their whole heart to the Lord, followed Jesus on the narrow way of self-denial and sacrifice. Yet God even comforts us through these doubts. Romans 8:38 (NIV) “For I am convinced that neither death nor life…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV).

So, take heart! Whatever God promises He will do! And He has promised to be with us in death, in our following resurrected life, and forever!