What happens when we die -part 1

What happens when we die?

It is an age old question, and there are many ideas. Every culture has tried to explain this, every religion.

We will not be exploring anything outside of Christianity.

Do we become angels?

Is there a period of waiting?

The Bible speaks of 3 heavens, what does that mean?

Do we go straight to heaven with Jesus, or something else?

These are but a sample of the questions that are asked. And instead of attempting the impossible task of answering every question, we will focus on the Word of God and the answers provided. We shall find that this will be sufficient.

What I believe and why!

Promised by Jesus

Luke 23:32–43 CSB

Two others—criminals—were also led away to be executed with him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots. The people stood watching, and even the leaders were scoffing: “He saved others; let him save himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him. They came offering him sour wine and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” An inscription was above him: This Is the King of the Jews. Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

So here we have a very familiar story. Jesus crucified. Not alone. Jesus is hung between 2 other criminals.

The first criminal is joining in on the mockery. But notice the things he says: save yourself, and US!

No doubt

Explained by Paul

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 CSB

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.