"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him." 1 Thess. 5:9, 10.
Notice the object of His death; it was that we might live together with Him. Does not that touch our hearts? Is not that much more than going to heaven and being happy forever? He sought us, desired our company, will be satisfied with nothing less; and He shall have it. Whether we wake or sleep, live or die, this shall be brought to pass. We are to be with Him as His companions; nothing will satisfy divine love but this, and this is the proper hope of the Christian.
Meanwhile, we belong to Him; He has set us free to bind us to Himself, that henceforth we live not unto ourselves, but unto Him who died for us and rose again.
Believer, you are, you must be-it cannot be otherwise-your Redeemer's property. Joined to Him for safety, you are joined to Him also for service. Believing, you belong. Whether you live, you live in relation to the Lord. Whether you die, you die in relation to the Lord. He died, rose, and revived for this end, "that He might be Lord both of the dead and living" (Rom. 14:9).