“Is there life after death?”
It’s the most human of questions, and yet it is one for which the world has very few answers. The answers we hear most often focus on uncertainty, finality, and sadness.
As followers of Jesus, we have a different perspective. Through our relationship with Christ, we hope for eternal life in heaven. In Him, we are assured that death isn’t simply the ceasing of a heartbeat. Rather, it is the beginning of a new life in the magnificent presence of God our Father.
Here are 14 facts, rooted in scripture, about what we can expect when our life on earth ends.
Our Spirit Lives On
“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” – Ecclesiastes 12:7
Our broken, physical bodies stop working, and they remain here on earth to decompose. But our souls continue on into eternity. This is the hope we have as Christ’s followers.
We Are Judged By God
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment…” – Hebrews 9:2
We are held to account for our choices during our lives on earth. The most important of those choices is the one we make to follow Jesus, and while judgment for our sins and earthly weaknesses is painful, our joy in the presence of God the Father after that judgment is secure.
Those Who Don’t Choose Christ Will Be Separated From Him
“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” – Matthew 25:46
Pop culture portrays hell as a fiery place of physical torture and pain. While we don’t fully know what hell is like, we do know that it means eternal separation from our heavenly Father, and that is the most tragic punishment for those who do not give their lives to Christ.
Those Who Do Choose Christ Have A Place Waiting For Them
“In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” – John 14:2
Jesus prepares a place for us in heaven. Isn’t it incredible that our Savior – who knows us intimately – has a special piece of heaven waiting for us upon our arrival?
Angels Rejoice At Our Arrival
“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10
In Jesus’ parable of the lost coin, the woman rejoices over finding something that she thought was lost; something of great value. God’s angels see us with that same value, and they welcome us into God’s kingdom.
We Are Welcome Citizens
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” – Philippians 3:20
We are guaranteed belonging in God’s kingdom through our salvation in Jesus Christ. There is nothing that can take that away, and we join our brothers and sisters in Christ’s heaven.
We No Longer Carry Earthly Burdens
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning, or crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Earth’s brokenness – which attacks us, hurts us, and weighs us down – no longer interferes with our happiness and peace.
Treasure Awaits Us
“Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19-20
The good work we do for God’s kingdom comes back to us in the form of heavenly treasure. We do not know exactly what that looks like, but we do know it is more valuable than anything we could have on Earth.
We Receive A New Body
“…who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” – Philippians 3:21
Our earthly bodies are susceptible to age, injury, and illness, all of which lead to discomfort and pain during our lives. How wonderful to know that we receive a new body, not tainted by sin or time, to benefit our new lives in heaven.
We Worship God With Our Fellow Believers
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language…and they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” – Revelation 7:9-10
There is no more appropriate response to the gift of eternal life than worship. Now, with our new bodies, together with those from all over the world who call God “Father”, we have the joy of worshiping our creator.
In the same verse of Revelation, we see that the barriers of time, geography, and language no longer apply. We have the opportunity to delight in the company of all God’s people, no matter where they come from.
We Work And Serve
“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him.” – Revelation 22:3
On earth, our broken and imperfect bodies hinder the quality of our work and service to the Lord. In heaven, with new, perfected bodies, we are able to give the Lord our very best. The gifts and skills He gives us can be put to perfect use to glorify Him.
We Are Not Bored
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence; with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11
The traditional portrayal of heaven is an eternal seat on a cloud, playing a harp, or an eternity singing church hymns around the throne of God. Our heavenly Father promises so much more than that. He promises us joy and eternal pleasure, as far from boredom as we can get.
Those We Leave Behind Find Comfort
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
We understand the sadness of losing a loved one, and so does God. While we enjoy the gift of eternal life, we can trust that God will take care of our loved ones still on earth.
We Eagerly Await A New Heaven And A New Earth
“But according to His promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” – 2 Peter 3:13
God has a plan—and has always had a plan—to give His people a new heaven and a new earth. The new heaven and new earth will be perfectly righteous and worthy of the creator.
More From Hope No Matter What
15 Misconceptions About Jesus Christ That the Bible Addresses
The 10 ‘Ites’ in the Bible: Who They Were and Why They Matter
19 Common Misconceptions About the Bible That Many Mistakenly Believe
15 Main Reasons Millennials Are Leaving the Church
