What's Next?

The Easy Stuff

2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

We know that it’s a better place for us

Luke 23:43 ESV

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

We will be escorted by angels…most likely

Luke 16:22 ESV

The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried,

We will see Jesus

Acts 7:56 ESV

And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

We will see judgment

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Hebrews 9:27 ESV

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Definitions

We know that people go to Heaven or Hell, right?

What is Heaven?

OT: physical realm above the earth or the realm of God shamayim

e.g. Duet. 26 :15; 1 Kings 8:39, 22:19

NT: ouranos, very similar, primarily in Gospels and Revelation

e.g. Matt. 3:17, 5:16; Mark 11:25

often used as Kingdom of Heaven by Matthew; others, Kingdom of God

What Is Abraham’s Side (Bosom)?

Probably a word picture

Relates to the intimacy of “reclining at table”

Also relates to “being gathered to his people”

How ‘bout Paradise?

Lexham Theological Wordbook παράδεισος

The place where the righteous dead enjoy a blessed afterlife

e.g. Luke 25:43; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 2:7 (?)