So, What Does Happen To Us When We Die?

As Christians, we believe in eternal life. The New Testament abounds with scriptures that make reference to everlasting life after death if we have trusted in Christ for our forgiveness and salvation.  What becomes a bit foggy to many people is what exactly happens to us when we take our last breath here on earth and what is going to happen to us in the future.  These are good questions and worthy of our consideration.  So let’s spend a few moments looking at what God’s Word has to say.  Because of the need for brevity, we will consider only the future of the believer after death.  I refer you to the booklet in our lobby, “Where Do We Go From Here?” for a more complete explanation of the issue.

Most of the confusion for believers today is about our bodies.  We know the familiar scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 where we are told by Paul that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  There is no indication that our souls go to some “holding” place or “limbo” while waiting for a body. Luke 23:43 and Philippians 1:23 seem to support the idea that when we “fall asleep” in this world, we wake up in the next instant in Christ’s presence.  What is not clear is what our appearance will be like.  This point is pure speculation, but we assume that we are recognizable even without our physical bodies.  One instance that we find where dead saints are seen and recognized is the transfiguration in Matthew 17.  Here Moses and Elijah are recognized even though the resurrection has not yet occurred.  I think that it is safe to say that God has a plan for us while we await the resurrection of our bodies.

For those who have died as believers during the “church age” (the time between Pentecost and the Rapture of the church), 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4 tell us that they shall “rise” first.  Those who are still alive will then follow to “meet Christ in the air.”  At this point it seems that we will receive our heavenly bodies that are new, different, and suited for heaven (1 Corinthians 15).  It is unclear why God chooses to raise up our old bodies when they are going to be replaced anyway.  My guess is that this will simply be another manifestation of God’s power over evil and death and will be seen by the unsaved world as it happens.  I’m sure such a sight will bring some to salvation.

We believe that the Bible teaches that following this “Rapture” (removing the saints from the world), there will be a special judging of believers by the Lord.  2 Corinthians 5:10 talks about this judgment as being one to reward good works by believers.  This judgment is not to be confused with the judgment mentioned in Revelation 20:11-15 where the unsaved are judged and condemned for eternity.  Following the judgments, the Lord will create a new heaven and a new earth where only the righteous will dwell (Revelation 21:27).

So, the next time you fear death or wonder what God has in store for you, think about His promises and His works on our behalf.  You’ll sleep better.  God bless.

Pastor Doug Dennee