David! Thank you for sharing what the other faiths believe. I need to print that out!
I have read two books on Heaven and have loved them both. Are they the truth? But, they both have quoted scripture through their books about an intermediate heaven until Christ's return. It has eased my mind of my departure from this earth. And it has helped me with the loss of one son. I am in no rush to get there and I am happy that my health is good for my age. I don't know if you have read any of these books. I would be happy to hear what you thought about them should you read one.
I so appreciate your clarity in describing other religions’ beliefs concerning death, as well as contrasting the Christian truths of death, supported by Scripture. This is so helpful to me. I found myself nodding with agreement on each point, as well as being grateful for your concise, Biblical exegesis. I will be referring to this post and sharing. Your clarity is a gift.
David, So, are you saying our souls will go to Heaven to be with Christ? When Christ returns, that’s when are bodies are raised from the dead? That is when we become “recognized “ in heaven?
I thought because Christ was resurrected, we would be also at the time of death and when Christ returns, then the rest of Christians are raised up in the rapture?
Thanks for the thoughtful question. You’ve got the basic order right, but the word rapture doesn’t really apply here in the way popular culture sometimes uses it.
Here’s what Scripture teaches: when a believer dies, the soul immediately goes to be with Christ — “absent from the body, present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) That’s our conscious, joyful fellowship with Him now.
Then, when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise — their bodies will be raised and glorified, reunited with their souls. (1 Thessalonians 4:16) Those still living will also be transformed. That’s the resurrection of the body, not a separate “rapture” event.
So yes — at death, we are with Christ in spirit. At His return, we will be with Him in body and soul, fully and forever.
In short: eternal life begins immediately in His presence, and it’s completed in the resurrection when He makes all things new.
Could you write a follow up about what happens when you die and you aren't a Christian? It know it's not hopeful but I really enjoyed these counterpoints and would love to have references during a conversation
Excellent. Yes, the Bible—OT and NT—speak of death as "sleep."
But I think it's more SYMBOL than "metaphor."
Every night I go to sleep and enter into a state not unlike death, laid out flat, eyes closed, body and spirit somewhat separated—unconscious of what's happening in this world. The saints have always looked at it as rehearsal. Nunc dimittis.
Every day (so far) I wake to a new day, a new start on life.
This speaks to us of death, and the resurrection of the body into a new heaven and a new earth where Jesus reigns and death is defeated.
Your writings and messages are so important. At 89 I try to read them all.
Thank you! Blessings to you at 89
David! Thank you for sharing what the other faiths believe. I need to print that out!
I have read two books on Heaven and have loved them both. Are they the truth? But, they both have quoted scripture through their books about an intermediate heaven until Christ's return. It has eased my mind of my departure from this earth. And it has helped me with the loss of one son. I am in no rush to get there and I am happy that my health is good for my age. I don't know if you have read any of these books. I would be happy to hear what you thought about them should you read one.
That's the thing about heaven. Everyone wants to go there, but nobody wants to die! Hahah
I so appreciate your clarity in describing other religions’ beliefs concerning death, as well as contrasting the Christian truths of death, supported by Scripture. This is so helpful to me. I found myself nodding with agreement on each point, as well as being grateful for your concise, Biblical exegesis. I will be referring to this post and sharing. Your clarity is a gift.
David, So, are you saying our souls will go to Heaven to be with Christ? When Christ returns, that’s when are bodies are raised from the dead? That is when we become “recognized “ in heaven?
I thought because Christ was resurrected, we would be also at the time of death and when Christ returns, then the rest of Christians are raised up in the rapture?
Juanita
Thanks for the thoughtful question. You’ve got the basic order right, but the word rapture doesn’t really apply here in the way popular culture sometimes uses it.
Here’s what Scripture teaches: when a believer dies, the soul immediately goes to be with Christ — “absent from the body, present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) That’s our conscious, joyful fellowship with Him now.
Then, when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise — their bodies will be raised and glorified, reunited with their souls. (1 Thessalonians 4:16) Those still living will also be transformed. That’s the resurrection of the body, not a separate “rapture” event.
So yes — at death, we are with Christ in spirit. At His return, we will be with Him in body and soul, fully and forever.
In short: eternal life begins immediately in His presence, and it’s completed in the resurrection when He makes all things new.
Could you write a follow up about what happens when you die and you aren't a Christian? It know it's not hopeful but I really enjoyed these counterpoints and would love to have references during a conversation
Excellent. Yes, the Bible—OT and NT—speak of death as "sleep."
But I think it's more SYMBOL than "metaphor."
Every night I go to sleep and enter into a state not unlike death, laid out flat, eyes closed, body and spirit somewhat separated—unconscious of what's happening in this world. The saints have always looked at it as rehearsal. Nunc dimittis.
Every day (so far) I wake to a new day, a new start on life.
This speaks to us of death, and the resurrection of the body into a new heaven and a new earth where Jesus reigns and death is defeated.