Life after Death
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.
Hebrews 9:27
I have asked people in the street about their thoughts on “life after death,” and the answers can generally fit into the following categories. (1) Don’t believe in life after death, (2) I am good person, I go to heaven after death, (3) God is love there is no hell (4), Don’t know, and (5) we face judgment. The truth is we all face judgment after death, but those who are in Christ will be taken home when he returns, while others will know the truth and will immediately know they had lived in Satan’s lies.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14) This earthly life is like a vapor but after our last breath life begins and continues for eternity. We know this life is short, but it’s amazing how many people give little or no thought about eternity.
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) Christians live in this world without fear because God has promised us eternal life if we remain faithful. When Jesus died and was raised three days later, he overcame death for all believers. But now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, (2 Timothy 1:10) Christians never face death, we just leave this aging earthly body and our souls live for eternity.
Our soul will remain with our conscious thought, and when Christ returns we will get a new perfect body and live with the Father and the Son in the new heaven and earth. So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) Our spiritual body will grave things of the spirit, just as our earthly body graves things of the earth.
Life after death for Christians is our eternal reward where life is perfect living in the restored earth where life is perfect and sinful temptation doesn’t exist. I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; (Philippians 4:23). Paul was torn between staying in this life to minister to the churches, but he preferred to go home and be with the Lord. The Lord will keep us in this life until he finishes the plan he has for us, then he will take us home to be with him. We will never experience completeness until we are in the presence of God.
Today know that your eternal life started the day you accepted Christ, and Christ overcame death on the cross. Live today eternally minded and with no fear from Satan. Live with a loving joyous attitude because you have overcome the world through Christ.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me, and guide me in the Spirit to reflect your love to everyone I see today. Let the world see the hope in me and the joy in my heart. In Jesus name, Amen