What Happens After I Die? Understanding Your future life In Christ

As a Pastor, one of my most important ministries is to shepherd the congregation. Pastors should always speak the truth and clearly communicate God's word. The Church needs to hear the words of God - not the philosophies of men. As a Pastor I need to read the pulse of the church. Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church -

· 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - "And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

In our Congregation - many of us have lost loved ones or friends recently. Each of us - know people who are sick or suffering. It reminds me of Paul's 1st letter to the Thessalonians. Paul writes,

· 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep those who have died), 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.

Paul goes on to explains the rapture. He then ends with these words of comfort by saying,

· 1 Thessalonians 4:18 - "Therefore encourage one another with these words."

In today's sermon - we will look at the seven events you yourself will experience after your physical death. I pray that this will encourage the church - concerning the ones we have lost - and challenge us to seize the day by redeeming your time because the days are short.

The seven stages I will *experience are:

#1. Physical Death

#2. The Rapture

#3. The Judgment Seat of Christ

#4. The 2nd Coming of Christ

#5. The Kingdom

#6. The Final Battle & Judgment

#7. The New Heaven & New Earth

*unless the rapture occurs before your death

#1: Physical Death

Summary:

“Death is when your soul departs from your physical body. Your soul goes to be with the Lord as your body is corrupted and turns to dust.”

All people will die - unless the Lord returns.

Some joke about it - others fear it - some ignore it - some refuse to talk about it - however, the fact remains that you will die.

Understanding Your Soul & Body

Before looking at death - you must understand that you are made in the image of God.

Genesis 1:27

“So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.”

But what does it mean to be made in the image of God? I created a graphic for my first lesson for my children’s curriculum. This happy image should cheer you up.

To be made in the image of God is:

To be made in God's Moral Image

Knowing what is right and what is wrong

To be made in God's Mental Image

Having ability to think, create, use logic

To be made in God's Spiritual Image

Possessing a Soul that will never die

Being made in the image of God sets us apart from the rest of creation.

It is important to understand that each of you have a spirit or a soul.

The term soul speaks of the spiritual aspects of a man whereas the heart usually speaks about the physical aspects. Take for instance Deuteronomy 4:29...

Deuteronomy 4:29

“But from there, you will search for the Lord your God, and you will find him when you seek him with all your heart [speaking of physically seeking God] and all your soul [you are spiritually seeking Him].”

We see this also in

Matthew 10:28a

“Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul...”

Your soul or spirit - "is who you truly are.” It is your personality, your inner self - the core of who you are. Your soul will never die. It is your soul that animates your body...

Genesis 2:7 explains that each person has a soul - in the King James Version it says...

Genesis 2:7 (KJV)-

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

Life on earth is all about being a good steward - or manager of what God has given you. Your soul - who you truly are - will dictate what you will do while you have breath in your body. As Jesus would say - a good tree will bear good fruit and a bad tree will bear bad fruit - you will know people by their fruit.

I cannot see your soul - but I can look at your works which you accomplish through your physical body - and that reveals your soul - who you truly are. Once your breath is taken away - your body dies - and your earthly stewardship is complete.

That is why - as a Christian - you should be so grateful that God sent you a helper - the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation - He comes and seals your soul - He comes and lives within you! He guides and helps you.

· 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.

Two Questions

So this brings us to our first set of questions

1. What happens to my soul at the moment of my physical death?

2. What happens to my body at the moment of my physical death?

Biblical Texts on Question #1

God's word will answer question #1. In the Bible, Paul told tells the Church that he wished he was taken away from his body - because when he is out of his body he is with the Lord. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:6-9

· 2 Corinthians 5:6-9

"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. Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him."

He basically says the same things to the Church in Philippians 1:22-24

· Philippians 1:22-24

"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 - but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake."

Jesus also makes the point that God is not the God of the dead but the living in Mark 12:26-27.

· Mark 12:26-27

And as for the dead being raised—haven’t you read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God said to him: I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? 27 He is not the God of the dead but of the living. You are badly mistaken.”

When God spoke to Moses in the burning bush - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been dead for over 400 years - yet God said, "I Am" not "I was" which implies that - their souls are alive and with Him!

Answer #1

So what happens to my soul at the time of my death?

Scripture says that my soul will be with the Lord. The very essence of who I am is with the Lord - I will simply not have a physical body.

Biblical Texts on Question #2

What happens to my body at the moment of my physical death?

We find this answer in Genesis 3:19 - God curses man for sinning - He says that mankind will die and turn back into dust - He is clearly speaking of His physical body - He says...

· Genesis 3:19

"You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.”

Answer #2

The second question is easy to answer-

What happens to my body at the moment of my physical death?

1. My body will decay and turn to dust.

So to recap our first set of questions:

1. What happens to my soul at the moment of my physical death?

a. Scripture says that your soul is with the Lord

2. What happens to my body at the moment of my physical death?

a. Scripture says your body will decay and turn to dust.

This brings us to the 2nd event - the rapture

#2: The Rapture

Summary:

The rapture is a simple event. Jesus will appear in the clouds, and He will bring with Him the souls of departed Christians. These departed saints will be given back their bodies. However, these bodies will be perfect and without any corruption. Then all living saints will join them in the clouds and will also be given their new upgraded bodies. What a reunion that will be!

Two Questions

So this brings us to our 2nd set of questions

1. What happens if I am dead (physically) at the time of the Rapture?

2. What happens if I am living at the time of the Rapture?

The Bible addresses these two questions in detail. We find the answers in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.

Although both of these answers are intermingled - Scripture will answer these questions...

Question #1

What happens if I am dead (physically) at the time of the Rapture? As we look at these passages, just focus on those who have died - then we will look at those are living.

Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

“13 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.

14 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.

15 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.

16 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.

17 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.

18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

Now In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 we read:

· 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

51 Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.”

Notice that both the living and departed will be changed! The bodies of the departed will be raised incorruptible - they will have their new perfect bodies!

Answer #1

What happens if I am dead (physically) at the time of the Rapture?

• My departed soul will be with Jesus in the sky, and then I will receive my new glorified body

Question #2

What happens if I am living at the time of the Rapture?

Let's look at the text again, but this time focus on those who are living. Let's start in 1 Thessalonians 4:15

Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

15 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.

16 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.

17 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.

At any moment - Living Christians will be raptured (or snatched away) and will join the formerly departed saints! All Christians will celebrate as they are found in their new perfect bodies. The best part is that they will forever be with the Lord. Notice they will not forever be in heaven - that is temporary - but they will forever be with the Lord.

Paul ends this quote with encouragement

1 Thessalonians 4:18

“18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

Now turn to 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 we read:

1 Corinthians 15:51-54

“51 Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.

Notice once again that the bodies of living saints will be changed.

53 For this corruptible body [sinful body] must be clothed with incorruptibility [perfect - sinless body], and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality.

54 When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Paul points out how the new body will be perfect and death will be totally defeated because these saints will never experience death!

Answer #2

What happens if I am living at the time of the Rapture?

I will join Jesus & the formerly departed saints in the sky and I will receive my new glorified body

So what happens after all church age saints return to heaven after the rapture? The Judgment seat of Christ.

#3: The Judgment Seat of Christ

Summary

All Christians will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment will evaluate their stewardship - their life's work for Christ and His Kingdom. Christ will reward those whose works and motives were good but will destroy the forwards of those who had evil intentions or lack of good works. However, all these people are saved and cannot lose their salvation, this judgment will simply be a time in which Jesus will reward His servants based on their work and motives.

Question #1

We only have one question

What happens when I appear before the Judgment seat of Christ?

Biblical Texts on Question #1

2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us that all Christians - including you - will appear before the Judgment seat of Christ.

· 2 Corinthians 5:10

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

There are Christians who do good works for worthy reasons - such as loving their neighbor as themselves and sharing the love of God with others. These faithful saints will be rewarded.

There are also Christians who do good works for terrible reasons - such as being motivated by pride, greed, fame, and other sins. These saints will lose their reward as we will see in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

· 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

“If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.”

· If anyone builds on the foundation [The foundation is Christ - and our works are built on Him] with gold, silver, costly stones [these are costly materials - they are costly good works], wood, hay, or straw [these are cheap materials - they are bargain-basement good works],

· each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.

o Jesus will test your life's work. All of Jesus' judgements are true and He will judge your work

· If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.

o This is speaking of eternal rewards!

· If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

o Some saints will watch all their rewards be burned up - however, they will still be saved.

So let's answer our question...

Answer #1

What happens when I appear before the Judgment seat of Christ?

· Jesus will evaluate my life's work. I will either receive a reward for my work or watch my reward be burned.

At this point you will stay in Heaven and wait at least 7 years until the tribulation has passed. This leads us to the second coming of Christ.

#4: The 2nd Coming of Christ

Summary

Once the tribulation is finished - Jesus will return to earth at Armageddon and the saints will be with Him. He will slaughter His enemies, capture the Antichrist, and have Satan bound for one thousand years. He will judge the Gentiles (called the Sheep and Goat Judgment) and the Jews (called the Passing Under the Rod Judgment.)

Question #1

Once again, we only have one question

What happens to me when I return with Jesus to earth at His 2nd coming?

Pastor Ken and I equip you by creating resources and teaching aids to help you understand the scripture. I created an entire series on end time events on my channel - Theology 4 Everyday life.

I am going to play a clip from the video because it has visuals of what Armageddon looks like... As a Christian, you will be present when all these events take place! So as you watch it - remember that one day you will be a witness to these events. On the bottom of the screen I also put up the Bible verses to back up what I am saying...

Play video

Biblical Texts on Question #1

Revelation 19:11-21

Matthew 25:31-46

Ezekiel 20:34-38

I have videos that covers all the end time events so please check them out for more details. Remember that one day you will be a witness to these events.

Answer #1

What happens to me when I return with Jesus to earth at His 2nd coming?

I will return with Jesus for His 2nd coming and I will watch Him strike down His enemies at Armageddon. I will see Him judge the Jews, the Gentiles, and Satan.

#5: The Kingdom

Summary

Jesus will set up His earthly Kingdom for 1,000 years. This will be a time of peace and righteousness. Christians will rule and reign with Him.

What will The Kingdom be like?

Although many prophets spoke about the Kingdom – the prophet Isaiah summed it up beautifully when he wrote in,

Isaiah 2:4b

· “They will beat their swords into plows, and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.”

The prophet added,

Isaiah 11:8-9

· “An infant will play beside the cobra’s pit, and a toddler will put his hand into a snake’s den. They will not harm or destroy each other on my entire holy mountain, for the land will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the sea is filled with water.”

Can you imagine how awesome it will be living there!

So, who will be in the Kingdom? There will be 4 different groups of people there. Revelation 20:4-6

1. The first group is Old Testament Saints. Daniel 12:2-3

2. The second group is Church Age Saints. 1 Thessalonians 4:15–18

3. They will be joined by the third group - all the saints who were martyred during the tribulation. Revelation 20:4

These three groups will have their new glorified bodies and will rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 20)Matthew 22:30

4. However, the fourth group will be different. This group will be made up of all the saved mortals that survived the tribulation. Matthew 25:31-34

These saints will not their heavenly bodies thus they will be able to procreate and populate the Kingdom. Isaiah 65:20

These mortal saints will still have a sin nature. Their children will also sin, but they will be punished quickly for their sin. Isaiah 11:4

Jesus will rule and reign as the King out of the new Capital city of the world - Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3. At this time the scripture will be fulfilled which says,

Isaiah 9:6

and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Question #1

What will I do during the Millennial Kingdom?

Biblical Texts on Question #1

We are told in Daniel 7 that God's holy ones (the saints) will rule and reign with Him. Daniel writes,

Daniel 7:27

The kingdom, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey him.’

This is also alluded to in Revelation chapter 20

Revelation 20

Answer #1

What will I do during the Millennial Kingdom?

I will rule and reign with Christ while enjoying His perfect Kingdom

#6: The Final Battle & Judgment

Summary

After 1,000 years have passed - Satan will be released from the pit and start a rebellion. This rebellion will be crushed. Jesus will then destroy Heaven and Earth - He will then judge all the unsaved people from every age and cast them into the Lake of fire.

Question #1

What will I observe after Satan is let loose and tries to destroy God and His Holy people?

Biblical Texts on Question #1

Scripture gives us the answer.

Revelation 20:13-15 “13 Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works. 14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 20:7-15

“7 When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison

8 and will go out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the sea.

9 They came up across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the encampment of the saints, the beloved city. Then fire came down from heaven and consumed them.

10 The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

11 Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them.

We find out from Peter 3 that God will destroy the Heaven and the Earth - we also see this in Revelation 21.

12 I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books.

since they have all rejected God plan of salvation and did not place their faith in Him - their works will be reviewed, and works cannot earn salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says- "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.

13 Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works.

14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

15 And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 21

Answer #1

What will I observe after Satan is let loose and tries to destroy God and His Holy people?

• I will watch as the final rebellion is crushed. I will see God destroy Heaven and Earth. I will the witness Satan and all the unsaved being judged and thrown into the lake of fire.

#7: The New Heavens & The New Earth

Summary

God will create a perfect Heaven and Earth. He will send down the New Jerusalem. He will live with His people for all of eternity in perfect peace.

Question #1

What will I see after God creates the new heaven and the new earth?

Biblical Texts on Question #1

The Bible says,

Revelation 21:1-2

“1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

2 I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.”

Revelation 21:22-25

“22 I did not see a temple in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

25 Its gates will never close by day because it will never be night there.”

· Revelation 22:3-5

“3 and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him.

4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

5 Night will be no more; people will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will give them light, and they will reign forever and ever.”

Answer #1

What will I see after God creates the new heaven and the new earth?

I will see God create the perfect Heaven and Earth. I will watch as the New Jerusalem comes down to earth. I will be on the new earth and enjoy perfect fellowship with God and the saints for all of eternity. The new earth is my final destination.

Final Summary

1. Physical Death

My body will die and my soul will be with the Lord in Heaven

2. The Rapture

I will be with Jesus in the clouds and be given a perfect body which will join my soul. I will return to Heaven with Jesus.

3. Judgment Seat of Christ

I will appear before Jesus, and He will reward me based on my life's work. I will remain in Heaven till the tribulation is over.

4. The Second Coming

I will return with Jesus to earth and watch Him destroy His enemies at Armageddon. I will watch Him judge the Jews, the Gentiles, and Satan.

5. The Kingdom

I will watch Jesus set up His Kingdom. I will rule and reign with Him for 1,000 years.

6. The Final Battle & Judgment

I will watch as the final rebellion is crushed. I will see God destroy Heaven and the Earth. I will the witness Satan and all the unsaved being judged and thrown into the lake of fire.

7. The New Heaven & The New Earth

I will see God create the perfect Heaven and Earth. I will watch as the New Jerusalem comes down to earth. I will be on the new earth and enjoy perfect fellowship with God and the saints for all of eternity. This new earth is my final destination.