What Happens to Christians When They Die?

The Bible tells us very clearly what happens when a Christian dies.  They immediately wake up in the presence of Jesus in heaven.  Two passages come to mind:

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 "So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  For we walk by faith, not by sight.  In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

The writer (Paul) describes two possible states for the Christian.  1) At home in the body, or 2) at home with the Lord.  Before we die we are at home in the body.  But when we die our spirit will be "away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Philippians 1:21-23 "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose.  I am torn between the two.  I long to depart and be with Christ -- which is far better."

Paul says that life is all about Christ, and death is a promotion.  It is "gain."  Why?  Because when you die ("depart") you will "be with Christ -- which is far better."

In both of these passages there is nothing mentioned about a purgatory, or soul-sleep, or any other destination for Christians after death.  It is very clear that when a Christian dies, he wakes up immediately in his new home with the Lord Jesus.

If you are a Christian, then death is something to look forward to.  It is the end of suffering, sorrow, sickness, and sin.  We will no longer walk by faith, but by sight!  Thomas Watson wrote, "Death begins a wicked man's hell.  Death ends a godly man's hell."  If you are a Christian, then this life is the closest thing to hell you will ever experience.  This life is your purgatory, where God uses suffering and adversity to purify you and make you more like Christ.  Bernard wrote, "Happy is the passage from toil to rest."  When Christians die they wake up immediately in heaven.

The question is Are you a Christian?  Are you saved?  Are you born again?  Do you have a new heart?  Do you have the indwelling Holy Spirit?  Do you have God's forgiveness?  Have you been adopted into God's family?

To become a Christian and receive this eternal life, you must know your ABCs.

1. A -- Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior.  Admit that you deserve hell, are helpless to get to heaven, and need Christ.
2. B -- Believe in Jesus Christ as God's payment for your sins.  Trust in Christ, not in your own good works.  Depend on Christ's death.  Believe that His death is your only hope.  Cling to His sacrifice. 
3. C -- Call on Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.  Pray.  Talk to Jesus.  He is listening.  Ask Him to save you; to give you a new heart; to forgive your sins; to give you new life.  Commit your life to Him.  

If you would like to know more about how to make sure that you are going to heaven, please reach out to me.  I would love to help you.