Why Do The Good Die Young? A Biblical Perspective

At one time or another, we have all wondered why the good die young. It’s hard for us to understand why a good Christian who served God to the fullest and genuinely loved others would die seemly before their time. Outside of salvation, this issue we all face is questioned more than anything else. Answers rarely give us the understanding we are seeking and few reference God’s word. However, there is one passage of scripture you never hear taught that answers the question of “why do the good die young” directly.

Isaiah 57:1–2 (ESV)

57 The righteous man perishes, 

and no one lays it to heart; 

  devout men are taken away, 

while no one understands. 

  For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; 

 2  he enters into peace; 

  they rest in their beds 

who walk in their uprightness. 

When a good person dies it doesn’t show a lack of love from God. In fact, that verse makes clear it shows great love on God’s part. Instead of allowing a good person to suffer the evil that lies ahead in their life, God will take them up into glory. We can believe that when a Christian dies it is because they had fulfilled the purpose God placed in their lives. That He has chosen to save them from facing any more sorrows in our fallen world. To those of us Christians who are still alive and breathing, we can know that God still has a purpose for us. One that is worth walking through this life as long as He sees fit.

Often we view death and leaving this world behind as a punishment. Sharing the view of the world that one of the greatest blessings we can have is a long life on earth. While joy and happiness can be had here it compares nothing to what is waiting in Heaven. For the redeemed person, death is not a punishment but a reward for a life lived righteously. Paul wrote that he didn’t know what would be better to live or to die and be with Christ. But was happy to live because he knew his life in Christ could have a great impact on others. Still, though he longed to leave this fallen world behind so he could move into the greater place prepared for him and every other believer.

Philippians 1:21–25 (ESV)

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

2 Corinthians 5:2–4 (ESV)

2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV)

8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

When a believer we hold close dies, it can be our worst day but it is important we remember it is their best day. All their hard work and perseverance have finally paid off. They have been granted the reward scripture has promised them. Allowing them to finally get to meet Jesus, who they have loved for so long, face to face. Beginning their journey into eternity where pain and suffering are no more. 

Revelation 21:4 (ESV)

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

The saddest thing we can face in this world is seeing someone pass on who doesn’t know the Lord. Because we know the perils that eternity has for them. But even in this all-too-common occurrence, we should not question God. The Lord loves all people and wants to see everyone saved. He gives every individual person countless chances to be saved in their life. Scripture even points to the time God gives people to be saved stating that it’s the very reason Jesus has yet to return for the church. 

1 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)

4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The sad truth is that for those who have died lost no amount of extra years would have caused them to be saved. It’s like unto the rich man’s brothers who wouldn’t turn from their sins even if Lazarus came back from the dead to warn them. Some people simply won’t accept Christ no matter what happens or how much time they are given. 

Luke 16:27–31 (ESV)

27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ” 

Death is sad whenever it happens no matter the age of the person. Nothing can ever fully silence the pain of losing a loved one. But peace can be found in God’s word where things unexplainable in the world are explained by our creator. When you have a tough question turn to the Bible and find the answer you desperately need. Like why do the good die young? Because God is saving them from tougher times that lie ahead. 

God knows the questions that trouble us just like this one and has answered them in His word. Don’t allow questions to constantly churn in your mind. Instead, turn to God’s word whenever you are hurting or need peace and find the answer you are seeking. The world won’t have your answer but God will. The Lord is merciful, compassionate, and loving. Take the time to dig into His word and you will soon be able to see His characteristics in every aspect of life. Even in the toughest times, you face. 

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