what joe writes is very noble and i would think such reflections included in what jesus acheived in his death.in stressing that its "what it means to me" he is confessing that he is not strictly interpreting scripture.

in christian teaching "death" can have different meanings.the context is the guide.the priciple meanings are physical death and spiritual death.Jesus conquered both.
it is our sin that renders us spiritually dead.at the point of Jesus death he bore the sin of the world and was cut off for the first and only time from the Father.only a sinless saviour could atone for the sinner.
believers benefit from that substitutionary atonement spiritually by being forgiven and reconciled,and physically by their own ressurrection to eternal life in the future.
i realize that most here will not agree with this but thats how i see the bibles teaching,if thats any help to anyone.