What Happens When We Die?

Scripture: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment . . .” Hebrews 9:27

Death is Certain

Rich or poor, in spite of all our efforts, everyone will die sooner or later. There are many opinions about what happens when we die. But what does God have to say about it?

Eternal Life – Two Kinds

God’s word, the Bible, tells us that each person’s soul lives forever. Today’s scripture from Hebrews tells us that after death comes judgment. This leads us to one of two destinies: Heaven or Hell.

We know that Christians, who have received God’s free gift of salvation and forgiveness, will spend eternity in Heaven. There, they will have loving fellowship with God and His people. Sadly, those who have rejected Jesus Christ will not go to Heaven. The Bible teaches that their certain destiny is Hell. In hell, suffering, hopelessness and regret last forever. There is an absence of God that brings deep grief.

Heaven is the best possible place to spend eternity and Hell is the worst. The difference between these two outcomes is very big.

The Decision is Yours

Church attendance won’t get you into Heaven. Nor will living a good life, or doing good deeds. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Later in Romans we find that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

We must first admit that we are sinful and separated from God. Then we must turn away from our sins, turn to Jesus Christ, and ask for God’s forgiveness. By believing that Jesus took the punishment that we deserved, we accept and receive God’s gracious gift of salvation by faith. “For as many as received Him, he gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believed in His name” (John 1:12).

Don’t Delay

No matter your age, there’s no guarantee that you will live until tomorrow. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told a story of a rich man who trusted in his possessions. “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’” (Luke 16:20).