Life After Death: Do You Go to Heaven When You Die?
When we die, is that the end? Do we go to heaven or hell? Why is there such misunderstanding and mystery about life after death?
The Creator God gave us the truth about what comes next. He sculpted mankind from the dust of the earth and granted us the gift of life, intended only a temporary existence in this physical body. We are not a finished product in our current state. We were created to grow and learn, developing godly nature, until we ultimately are born into God’s Family.
How does that happen? When does that happen? It is appointed for all to die once, but then what?
Life in this physical body was designed as temporary. Our days are numbered, but this was never meant to be the end of the story!
The plan of God reveals the incredible purpose for mankind: to one day become a spiritual being and member of the Family of God: to be like Him. By God’s design, our physical life comes to an end, and we wait for the next phase of our life to begin.
In the Bible, Job asks the same question we all have wondered from the beginning: “If a man dies, shall he live again?”
Job 14:13-15 “Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes. 15 You shall call, and I will answer You; You shall desire the work of Your hands."
Job answers his own question, declaring that he will wait until his change comes. Mankind is the work of His hands, and God is deliberate in the way He cares for His creation. Notice it is God who, in His set time and according to His will, awakens those who sleep.
So then what is death like? How long does it last?
The Bible describes death as sleep.
King David said in Psalm 13:3, "Consider and hear me, O Eternal my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death."
In the gospel accounts Jesus Christ Himself refers to a young girl who had died, as simply sleeping, before He would resurrect her back to physical life. (Matthew 9:24, Mark 5:39, Luke 8:52)
Then when discussing the death of Lazarus, Christ said in John 11:11-13 “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” However, Jesus spoke of His death, but they thought He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.”
We can also find in Daniel 12:2, Daniel describes future resurrection, saying, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake”
The Bible simply defines death as sleep. Not one time is death described as the end, never as the finality of our lives, but as the beginning of the next chapter. We’re told, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
When will mankind be made alive? Has it already happened to some?
All Shall Be Made Alive.
Since death is only a type of sleep, have any already been awakened?
In the Bible there are a few examples of individuals being awakened, nevertheless these are only to physical life: i.e. Lazarus (John 11:1-41), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43), Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12), loyal disciples after the death of Christ (Matthew 27:51-53), etc.
Jesus Christ confirms by His own words that no one has ascended to heaven (John 3:13) and no man has seen God the Father (John 1:18) at any time. Even King David is still in his tomb!
Acts 2:29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
Acts 2:34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
Jesus Christ was the first and is the only one who has been resurrected to eternal spiritual life (Colossians 1:18). This is why He is called “The firstborn among many brethren.” He was restored to His former glory (John 17:5), but He will certainly not be the last to inherit this eternal spiritual life.
Christ is the first, but not the last.
1 Corinthians 15 is often referred to as “the resurrection chapter.” Here it is confirmed, in God’s time and specified order, there is resurrection from death and resurrection of different types: physical and spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.
At Christ’s return, there will be those who are obedient, called, chosen, and faithful — past and present — who will “inherit all things (Revelation 21:7).” This is the first resurrection to eternal life offered to mankind, and these are those “who are Christ’s at His coming.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
The next resurrection of mankind comes after the 1000 year millennial reign of Jesus Christ. This is a resurrection to physical life, where every man, woman and child to ever live is given their first opportunity to fully understand the truth and get to know the One, True God.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
The prophet Ezekiel confirms this second resurrection as one to physical, flesh-and-blood life. They all will be given opportunity to live according to God’s instruction and by their living faith go on to a better resurrection, one to spiritual life.
Ezekiel 37:5-6 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ”
Ezekiel 37:12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
A resurrection to physical life gives opportunity to finally meet God face to face, and demonstrate character worthy of eternal spiritual life in His Family.
There is life after death with incredible potential to inherit all things and live forever! We hold the ability to choose obedience to God and inherit eternal life, or reject God and bring an end to our existence in the second death (Romans 6:23, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6, 14, Revelation 21:8).
God’s plan uncovers His will for none to perish, that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Repentance is required before God gives us the gift of eternal spiritual life in His Family. As we make the change to commit ourselves to the will of God, demonstrating fruits of repentance, God opens the door to that ultimate transformation.
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'"
John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Do we desire eternal life in the Kingdom and Family of God? The choice will always be our own. Do we seek an eternity of peace and joy as one Family united? Make the most of this life! Then we will wait…until our change comes!
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Life After Death: Do You Go to Heaven When You Die?
When we die, is that the end? Do we go to heaven or hell? Why is there such misunderstanding and mystery about life after death?
The Creator God gave us the truth about what comes next. He sculpted mankind from the dust of the earth and granted us the gift of life, intended only a temporary existence in this physical body. We are not a finished product in our current state. We were created to grow and learn, developing godly nature, until we ultimately are born into God’s Family.
How does that happen? When does that happen? It is appointed for all to die once, but then what?
Life in this physical body was designed as temporary. Our days are numbered, but this was never meant to be the end of the story!
The plan of God reveals the incredible purpose for mankind: to one day become a spiritual being and member of the Family of God: to be like Him. By God’s design, our physical life comes to an end, and we wait for the next phase of our life to begin.
In the Bible, Job asks the same question we all have wondered from the beginning: “If a man dies, shall he live again?”
Job 14:13-15 “Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes. 15 You shall call, and I will answer You; You shall desire the work of Your hands."
Job answers his own question, declaring that he will wait until his change comes. Mankind is the work of His hands, and God is deliberate in the way He cares for His creation. Notice it is God who, in His set time and according to His will, awakens those who sleep.
So then what is death like? How long does it last?
The Bible describes death as sleep.
King David said in Psalm 13:3, "Consider and hear me, O Eternal my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death."
In the gospel accounts Jesus Christ Himself refers to a young girl who had died, as simply sleeping, before He would resurrect her back to physical life. (Matthew 9:24, Mark 5:39, Luke 8:52)
Then when discussing the death of Lazarus, Christ said in John 11:11-13 “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” However, Jesus spoke of His death, but they thought He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.”
We can also find in Daniel 12:2, Daniel describes future resurrection, saying, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake”
The Bible simply defines death as sleep. Not one time is death described as the end, never as the finality of our lives, but as the beginning of the next chapter. We’re told, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
When will mankind be made alive? Has it already happened to some?
All Shall Be Made Alive.
Since death is only a type of sleep, have any already been awakened?
In the Bible there are a few examples of individuals being awakened, nevertheless these are only to physical life: i.e. Lazarus (John 11:1-41), Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43), Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12), loyal disciples after the death of Christ (Matthew 27:51-53), etc.
Jesus Christ confirms by His own words that no one has ascended to heaven (John 3:13) and no man has seen God the Father (John 1:18) at any time. Even King David is still in his tomb!
Acts 2:29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
Acts 2:34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
Jesus Christ was the first and is the only one who has been resurrected to eternal spiritual life (Colossians 1:18). This is why He is called “The firstborn among many brethren.” He was restored to His former glory (John 17:5), but He will certainly not be the last to inherit this eternal spiritual life.
Christ is the first, but not the last.
1 Corinthians 15 is often referred to as “the resurrection chapter.” Here it is confirmed, in God’s time and specified order, there is resurrection from death and resurrection of different types: physical and spiritual.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.
At Christ’s return, there will be those who are obedient, called, chosen, and faithful — past and present — who will “inherit all things (Revelation 21:7).” This is the first resurrection to eternal life offered to mankind, and these are those “who are Christ’s at His coming.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
The next resurrection of mankind comes after the 1000 year millennial reign of Jesus Christ. This is a resurrection to physical life, where every man, woman and child to ever live is given their first opportunity to fully understand the truth and get to know the One, True God.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
The prophet Ezekiel confirms this second resurrection as one to physical, flesh-and-blood life. They all will be given opportunity to live according to God’s instruction and by their living faith go on to a better resurrection, one to spiritual life.
Ezekiel 37:5-6 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ”
Ezekiel 37:12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
A resurrection to physical life gives opportunity to finally meet God face to face, and demonstrate character worthy of eternal spiritual life in His Family.
There is life after death with incredible potential to inherit all things and live forever! We hold the ability to choose obedience to God and inherit eternal life, or reject God and bring an end to our existence in the second death (Romans 6:23, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6, 14, Revelation 21:8).
God’s plan uncovers His will for none to perish, that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Repentance is required before God gives us the gift of eternal spiritual life in His Family. As we make the change to commit ourselves to the will of God, demonstrating fruits of repentance, God opens the door to that ultimate transformation.
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'"
John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Do we desire eternal life in the Kingdom and Family of God? The choice will always be our own. Do we seek an eternity of peace and joy as one Family united? Make the most of this life! Then we will wait…until our change comes!
May We Suggest...
Dig Deeper ⬀
cogassembly.org