April 08, 2022 | Articles by Gabriel Bouch
What happens when we die?
One of the clear messages of the New Testament is that physical death is not the end of our existence. In fact, the central event of the Christian faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, indicates that followers of Jesus can live with the hope that the next life will be far greater than this life. The apostle Paul puts it this way:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
The Bible teaches that those who follow Jesus, upon dying, will immediately be taken to God’s presence in heaven (Philippians 1:23). At the end of the age, followers of Jesus will receive new bodies fit for eternal life on a renewed earth. “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things [will have] passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
What about those who have not received God’s offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ? Jesus told the people, “[they] will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12).
God loves every one of us and does not desire that any of us would be shut out from His presence. “…the Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
You can pray to receive God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ right now.
Father, I know that I am in need of your forgiveness. I turn from my sins now, and I ask for your forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus, I put my trust in you, and I thank you for giving your life on the cross so that I can be forgiven. I commit my life to following you. Amen.
