Big questions
What happens when we die?
Christians believe that death is not the end. Those who trust Jesus go to be with him, and will one day be raised to life in a world made new. The Bible also speaks of judgment, which is why Jesus’ offer of forgiveness matters so much.
Death is real, and it is an enemy
The Bible does not treat death as natural or as a friend. It calls it an enemy, an intruder in God’s good world. Jesus wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus, though he was about to raise him. Christians are not asked to pretend that death doesn’t hurt.
After death, judgment
It is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment.
The Bible says every person will give an account of their life to God. In one way that is good news. It means that injustice is not ignored, and that those who suffered wrongs will see them put right. It is also sobering, because all of us have done wrong.
What Jesus promised
Jesus took that judgment on himself at the cross, so that those who trust him need not fear it. He promised them life beyond death.
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.
To a dying criminal who turned to him, he promised that they would be together that very day.
He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
More than “going to heaven”
The Christian hope is not of floating on clouds. It is resurrection. Just as Jesus was raised bodily, those who belong to him will be raised with new bodies, to live in a renewed creation where God lives with his people.
But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.
What about those who reject God?
Jesus spoke more plainly about hell than anyone else in the Bible. He described it as being finally shut out from God and from everything good. Christians have understood the details in different ways, but they take his warnings seriously, because he gave them out of love. God’s own wish is clear:
The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Grieving with hope
If you have lost someone, the Bible does not tell you not to grieve. It says that Christians grieve differently, because they have hope.
But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
Here too “fallen asleep” is the Christian way of speaking about those who have died. Sleep is something you wake from.
How can I be ready?
By trusting the one who has been through death and come out the other side. Nobody is promised tomorrow, and Jesus’ invitation is for today.